Mia (Jillie Simon, A Beautiful Mind) and Caroline (Karen Irwin) reunite in a city park, a familiar locale to one and not so much to the other. It's immediately clear that there's an awkwardness present, an underlying tension indicating some sort of past. Before long, we learn the two were lovers before Mia's screw-ups take their toll. Things are better now, or so they seem. Mia has gone to rehab, though it's not perfectly clear why she's initiated this reunion and it's more than clear that Caroline isn't particularly thrilled about it. 

The two talk. Sometimes angrily. Eventually, the truth is revealed that Mia is getting married. However, more truths rise to the surface and Caroline storms out with Mia following in pursuit. 

Written and directed by Simon with Ange Arabatzis, A Chance has had an extended festival journey with 31 fest appearances resulting in 14 awards from such fests as Action on Film/Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival (Best LGBTQ Short), Culver City Film Festival (Best LGBTQ Short), Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (Mary Austin Excellence in Screenwriting Award), and several others. 

The film is based on a short play Simon was in and has been excellently adapted for the screen by Simon and Arabatzis. Indeed, the engaging story is the real strength here with both Simon and Irwin convincingly bringing their characters to life with all the friction of unresolved tensions and all the passions of a love that continues amidst it all. 

Lensing by Thomas Simon is effective throughout A Chance's 16-minute run time and Simon's sound design for the film is also impressive. 

With its meaningful and universal story, it's not surprising that A Chance has proven popular on the film festival circuit. With its journey winding down, here's hoping the film's life continues and an even wider audience gets a chance to check out this compelling and thoughtful film. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic