Deliciously entertaining and non-stop engaging, Frank Borin and David Miller's A Hand of Bridge is a faithful adaptation of the 1958 micro-opera by Samuel Barber that instantly grabs your attention and never lets you go during its 15-minute running time. The film is screening as part of the American Spectrum Shorts during the 2019 Indy Film Festival going on from May 2nd-12th at Newfields in Midtown Indy. 

A wonderfully designed and vibrantly photographed slice of life period piece, A Hand of Bridge is a surefire pleaser for those who love opera, are curious about opera, or who just plain can appreciate unique, inspired cinematic shorts. 

A Hand of Bridge centers around two couples who reveal their deepest fears, most vivid desires, and vulnerable fantasies all while engaged in a game of Bridge that is anything but staid and ordinary. The quartet of performers includes Miller himself along with Sarah Joy Miller, Ben Davis, and Mary Dunleavy. There isn't a weak link among them and A Hand of Bridge is one of the 2019 Indy Film Fest's most inspired and entertaining short films. 

A Hand of Bridge has already proven to be quite successful on the indie fest circuit having screened at such fests as Seattle International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, St. Albans Film Festival, Idyllwild, and a host of others,

One of the shortest operas still performed regularly, A Hand of Bridge features a libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti and in its operatic form runs a remarkably slight nine minutes. As a rather fun fact, Andy Warhol designed the cover for the opera's vocal score resulting from his friendship with Barber. 

Caleb Heymann's lensing is top notch throughout, while extraordinary kudos must be given to Miller himself for an absolutely wonderful production design. While A Hand of Bridge is nearing the end of its festival run, it's an absolutely delightful addition to the Indy Film Fest schedule and if you get a chance you'll definitely want to check it out during its screenings either on Sunday, May 5th at 6pm inside DeBoest Lecture Hall or on Friday, May 10th at 5pm in the Indy Film Lodge. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic