Daylight
A timid nurse must protect her epileptic son and father with dementia from an unseen enemy that hunts in the sunlight.
What is it about apocalyptic scenarios that hold such a special place in cinematic hearts?
Is it the dazzling display? Whether it’s The Walking Dead or the destruction so lovingly portrayed in The Day After Tomorrow, you’ve got to hand it to creators of such classics: they bring even the wildest concepts to monstrous life!
Or – is it the schadenfreude enjoyment of body count? World War Z or The Stand do offer up a cast of millions… albeit the deceased kind.
Whether a fanciful story or one grounded in a more plausible scenario, both factors amplify drama effectively. But without an even more fundamental attraction, even the most skilled FX offerings fall flat.
The beating (or non-beating) heart of apocalyptic films is the HUMAN element: how do ordinary people swept up in such devastation fight for survival – both their own, and loved ones? And what quasi-hidden societal flaws will loom as treacherous obstacles in their path?
Aaron Ridenour’s Daylight has just such soul. In a film world riddled with apocalyptic offerings, this short stands out.
Meet Madison. A nurse back in “normal days”, she’s continued her job as caretaker even after the world’s fallen apart. Both to her dementia fogged father “Papa”, and epileptic young son Jacob. Seizures don’t stop when society ends… and neither does a mother’s love.
But there’s something going on outside. Something that makes traveling in daylight – very, very, VERY unwise. So when Papa inadvertently destroys Jacob’s meds during a rage filled delusion, Madison’s forced to venture out to replenish the inventory. And Jacob begs her to make a special stop.
JACOB
Then let me come with you.
MADISON
No. I need you to stay here.
He hesitates.
JACOB
Could you please check on Sarah for me? I'm worried about her.
MADISON
Of course. I don't mind checking on your girlfriend.
Jacob blushes.
JACOB
She's not my girlfriend, Mom.
MADISON
Sure, bud. Keep an eye on Papa for me. And do your math homework.
Jacob LAUGHS.
JACOB
Sure, Mom.
Homework and innocent childish crushes… some things never change, right?
Oh yes; they tragically and grotesquely do. What Madison is about to find at Sarah’s not only tests her sanity… but any faith in human nature, too.
Horrific situations tend to have silver linings. Despite the havoc they wreak, they also bring to “daylight” human heroism. An apocalyptic nightmare with a deliciously evil twist, Daylight is also a soul satisfying short with organic characters you’ll root to win.
Directors: if you have some access to FX – and a good sense of what can just implied – Daylight is a gem you do NOT want to miss out on. Festival audiences will thank you. But make sure it’s viewed AT NIGHT.