Pandora (Noelle Lake) is in a coma. Trapped within a body that is rapidly deteriorating, she's placed into a research program that allows for the placing of a chip into her brain that allows her to connect via online from her mind. 

Pandora has a few things to say. 

A 13-minute short film written and directed by Irmak Tasindi, Pandora's Box is a creative and thoughtful fantasy short that never quite lives into its full potential yet remains a compelling and engaging drama fueled by a central performance by Noelle Lake that never quite goes where you expect it. 

With an immersive original score by Zaalen Tallis, Pandora's Box sets an unusual tone that simultaneously feels like we're headed toward a dark, brooding sci-fi/fantasy and possibly even a rather dry Brit comedy. 

We're never quite sure and the truth is rather somewhere in the middle. 

The film's ensemble cast, including those whom Pandora has gathered around including sister Sarah (Donna Cherry), devoted hubby Bernie (William Scott Brown), and her sister's husband Victor (Daniel Martin Berkey), is uniformly strong as Pandora's unexpressed thoughts are suddenly communicated and everyone's life changes. Pascal Yen-Pfister also does a fine job as Dr. Jones. 

Lensing by Federico Tamburini II nicely weaves together the worlds of Pandora's mind and the brighter, lighter landscape of the world outside while also capturing the bewilderment of a family unprepared for all the things that Pandora's determined to get off her chest before her days are done. 

Pandora's Box lacks a tonal consistency that would allow its thoughts and ideas to land with a stronger impact, but overall it's an ambitious, effective short film worth checking out if you get the chance. 

For more information on Pandora's Box, visit the film's official website linked to in the credits. 

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic