You know you're in for a cinematic treat when history's darkly beloved Ed Gein (Mark Keegan) makes an appearance in the early moments of Lucy Joan Barnes's 15-minute Ms. Green and Other Lovely Beasts, a film that depends almost entirely on the performance of Lauren Koster as Elnora Green.
Fortunately, Koster more than delivers.
Directed by Barnes from a script by Nick Thomson, Ms. Green is a deliciously dark delight, a dramatic short with a comedic gleam in its eye and a film that carries with it the spirit of a gothic poet's heart. Koster's Green is an unusual sort, though I'm hesitant to ruin any of it for those may eventually see the entertaining short. Koster makes us rather love Ms. Green, though perhaps from a distance. She's seductively psychotic, a wee bit fractured and yet possesses a sweetness that makes her endearing. Koster makes all of this believable and rather fun to watch.
She's also a wee bit fond of her partner in pet memorialization, Parker (Rohan Singh), who seems oblivious to anything but his artistry. While bearing little resemblance to the real Ed Gein, that's not the point here, Mark Keegan is an absolute wonder as Ms. Green's compelling imaginary friend. The vocal work of Clark Alexander also deserves kudos.
Lensing by Will Middleton and Aaron Whitehead is effective throughout, and Veronika Koubova deserves immense credit for editing that makes Ms. Green work despite its slight 15-minute running time and an undeniable desire to spend more time with these characters.
If you get the chance to check out Ms. Green and Other Lovely Beasts, this most unique short is sure to satisfy.
