As usual the five Oscar-nominated short films were a great mix of stories from around the world, each tackling compelling themes with unique styles. Read on to know which was my favourite and which one will most likely win.
The first film, The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent by Nebojsa Slijepcevic, takes place in Croatia and follows a tense confrontation on a train in the early 1990s. Without prior knowledge, the setting remains ambiguous to a viewer not familiar with the language or history. The cinematography captures the claustrophobic tension inside the train, and the performances are solid. The film explores standing up to brutal force but ultimately didn’t leave a strong impression. Despite the film winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival, I thought the four films that followed were more powerful.
Next was Anuja by Adam J. Graves, a film about two sisters working in a textile factory in India. The older sister pushes the younger one to take a test that could secure her a place at a boarding school, knowing she has a gift for math and a brighter future ahead. However, their employer wants to keep the talented younger sister working for him. The film is visually rich and dynamic, with palpable chemistry between the sisters, played by Anika Radhakrishnan and Nitya Mathew. While the tension keeps you engaged, the ending felt abrupt. I wished it had gone further. Still, with its themes of education and women’s rights, it’s a strong Oscar contender and one of the two possible winners.
The third film, I’m Not a Robot by Victoria Warmerdam (the film can be watched on the New Yorker site: https://www.newyorker.com/video/watch/im-not-a-robot) hails from Belgium and the Netherlands. It follows a woman who may—or may not—be a robot, unfolding through a story reminiscent of A.I. Artificial Intelligence or even Blade Runner where robots looks like humans and want to love and have control over their destiny. The opening song, Creep by RadioHead, sets the tone perfectly. The lead actress, Rosa van Leeuwen, delivers a strong performance, balancing the film’s dry humour with moments of existential questioning. It’s a smart, timely exploration of AI and autonomy, blending comedy and drama.
The fourth film, A Lien by Sam and David Cutler-Kreutz, is an American drama that follows a couple, an American woman and her Salvadoran husband whose world is upended when he is arrested by ICE (the US’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement) while trying to obtain a green card. The film is fast-paced and gripping, shedding light on the harsh realities of the current U.S. immigration system. The performances by Carolina Ravassa and Ricardo Cisneros bring a raw emotional weight to the story while the young actress who plays their daughter conveys the sense of innocence one wishes we could return to. The film’s tight editing and handheld cinematography create a sense of immediacy, making the viewer feel the anxiety of the family’s crisis. While the topic is undeniably heavy, the film is more thought-provoking than deeply emotional. Because of its timely topic, it’s the second strong contender in this list to win the Oscar.
Finally, The Last Ranger by Cindy Lee from South Africa was my favourite film of the selection. It follows a ranger and a young girl, Litha. With a stirring score by Lebo M and visually breathtaking, the film captures the beauty of the South African landscape and its wildlife. Litha is played by the outstanding young actress Thando Khumalo. She deserves an Oscar for her deeply expressive acting. The cinematography by Johan van der Merwe makes use of natural light to highlight the stark contrast between the beauty of the wilderness and the brutality of poaching. Beyond its stunning cinematography, The Last Ranger stands out for its quiet yet powerful storytelling. The bond between the ranger and Litha adds emotional depth, making the film more than just a visual marvel—it’s a poignant reflection on responsibility and survival. While at times it may feel aimed at a younger audience, its message about conservation and human connection is universal, leaving a lasting impact.
Overall, it was an incredible lineup of films well worth watching! Even if I wish The Last Ranger would win, I think the Academy voters will favour Anuja or A Lien.
2 Responses
Excellent review, Julian! Spot-on, concise analysis with smart predictions. I agree with it all. Just one thing, while these were all very good stories, I didn’t feel they were as impactful as they have been in previous years.
Thanks Vidya and I agree with you!