Love & Other Crimes is an engaging, emotionally resonant short crime drama centered around Justin P. Slaughter's Noah, a young man whose life seems to be one of riding that thin line between hope and horror. 

Directed by Clarito Zapanta based off of Brandon Newman's compelling script, Love & Other Crimes draws us in immediately with a scene best left undescribed. Through flashbacks, we begin to understand. It shouldn't be surprising that Love & Other Crimes immerses us in both a love story, that between Noah and Shaye (Jaelyn Sierra), and the high intensity world of drugs and crime courtesy of Noah's high school acquaintances Parker (Jon Meggison) and Jason (Jordan Nancarrow). 

The story that unfolds over 21 minutes or so is one that we've likely seen before, though there's an honesty here that draws you a little more firmly into these characters and the lives they're living. Slaughter's Noah is an involving fellow, a man equally convincing as he falls for Shaye as when he becomes tempted by a life one knows to resist however offers such great rewards that sometimes temptation just plain wins. 

The rest of the ensemble is equally strong. I was particularly taken by Sierra's Shaye and her weaving together of strength and vulnerability. 

Love & Other Crimes has picked up a handful of awards along its indie fest journey. It's unsurprising that the entire team aspires to turn this into a narrative feature. It's easy to see how giving this story even more room to breathe could make for a strong indie drama. 

Lensing by Reuben Evans is impactful throughout the film and kudos to Marty Ayres for a sound design that is a notch above what one expects from a low-budget indie short. 

Love & Other Crimes may not tread a whole lot of new narrative ground, however, the ground it does cover is well done and leaves us with maximum impact over the course of the short film. If you get a chance to check it out, I recommend you do so.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic