Crestfallen (2011) Short Film Review

Written by Russ Penning

Directed by Jeremiah Kipp

Starring: Deneen Melody and Michael Partipilo

A talented director working with an equally talented actor or actress is an extremely powerful pairing. Jeremiah Kipp has six minutes to give you a beginning, middle, and end – no small task. He also needs to connect you to the protagonist in that same sliver of time. It sounds next to impossible, but Crestfallen caught me watching the bulk of it with my mouth open.

Dennen Melody portrays the protagonist, a beautiful young woman experiencing a life-altering pain that only one terrible act can resolve. Kipp’s progressive eye skillfully weaves a life together and delivers a stunning visual tapestry of atmospheric beauty. Raw emotions rule in this six-minute exercise in anger, sadness, guilt, and finally, strength. I’m excited to watch the rest of Kipp’s short film library and report back.