There's a retro-vibed classicism radiating throughout writer/director Bob Celli's mystery/thriller short film Because I Love You. Celli stars as Marco, happily married to Jennifer Plotzke's Joanna. Their life together seems ideal as both are successful, their home is comfortably luxurious, and their casual intimacy convinces. 

However, a dinner party alongside Jim (David Roberts) and his wife Beth (Melissa Joyner) reveals a little sliver of a doubt. As Beth steps away from the conversation, Joanna and Jim converse comfortably, intimately even, and Marco can't help but be aware that something looks and feels amiss. 

This simple narrative, which we've certainly seen many times before, serves as both the narrative foundation of and the heart and soul for the 13-minute Because I Love You, a film in which the seeds of doubt are planted and Marco's insecurities spiral into paranoia as Joanna's every move becomes suspect and infinite possibilities play out in his mind that may or may not be grounded in reality. 

Despite its familiarity, and somewhat because of it, Because I Love You tells a compelling story brought vividly life to a cohesive, immensely talented ensemble cast. I've long been a fan of Plotzke's and Because I Love You reminds me why - Plotzke brings Joanna's persona to life here in a way that actually complements Celli's performance beautifully and leaves us in our own doubts. He wonders. We wonder. Joanna gives us a look and we wonder even more. As seems to always be true for Plotzke, she finds all the nooks and crannies of Joanna's experience and draws us in and takes our breath away. 

From beginning to end, Celli is equally strong in a performance that says so much in so little time. Celli gives Marco credibility, a suspicion that feels justified even as it amplifies. Even as his behavior becomes a bit more extreme, we follow along respectfully because Celli's performance demands it. 

The supporting ensemble is strong, as well, and this entire atmosphere created envelopes us completely with Dave Fox's original music a sublime weaving together of 50's and 60's suspense thrillers and the intense emotional rhythms of life with multiple layers. Kenneth Kotowski's lensing is incredibly comfortable yet jarring at a moment's turn. Mike Angelo's production design is like a common thread linking everyone and everything together. 

An engaging and thoughtful thriller, Because I Love You will linger in your psyche' long after the closing credits have scrolled by.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic