Written and directed by Jack McLoughlin, the 7-minute short drama Are You Okay? enters the world of mental health in telling the story of siblings Carl (Shaun Fagan) and Leanne (Sarah-Louise Chadwick). The two are on a trip of some sort when a breakdown occurs. This breakdown leads to both confronting some difficult truths. 

The filmmaking is somewhat experimental in approach, though the actual storytelling tackles mostly familiar yet important and meaningful territory. Both Fagan and Chadwick perform quite ably, believably wringing moments of honesty and realism within the film's slight yet effective seven minutes. McLoughlin largely keeps the story within the confines of a car, a claustrophobic yet intimate approach that also helps to keep the storytelling from ever going histrionic. 

Lensing by Cameron Brown nicely captures the relational aspects of the story and composer Bobby Locke helps to draw us in without ever manipulating us any certain direction. 

Sometimes, you want a solid indie short with effective storytelling and a strong ensemble. That's exactly what you get with the impactful Are You Okay?

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic