Filmmaker Spotlight: “Uphill” by DJ Remark
Hey readers! The final spotlight short of 2020 is a thematically captivating short that will surely resonate with those of you who have been through the unpleasant fallout of a relationship’s end.
“Uphill” is an 18-minute drama film written and directed by DJ Remark, whose previous shorts — “Bells” and “Good Works” — were featured in this series.
The film stars Katelynn Newberry and Jake Dressler as Amanda and William, two characters who decide to meet up at a diner two years after their breakup. Unlike the previous Remark shorts in this series, which were genre pieces, “Uphill” is a dialogue-driven drama. It captures the aftermath of this bad breakup, particularly from William’s point-of-view. Early on, it becomes clear that William carries the torch from this relationship, despite the fact that its been two years. He’s haunted by memories of his lost love, including their special song that reminds him of the good times they shared.
As you’re watching this short, note the cold tone and slanted angles in the diner scene’s cinematography, particularly the shot looking over William’s shoulder. This indicates that even now, they’re still grappling with their demons, which have been haunting them ever since the breakup. For William, these demons are depicted in a metaphorical fashion during the short’s opening sequence. Breakups are almost always difficult for one or both parties. Lots of tears, hurt feelings, and in many cases, the decaying effects of depression.
William is a highly relatable character because of the burden and agony he still feels as a result of his actions. He is filled with remorse and regrets many things that he said, as well as things that were left unsaid. There is a part of him hoping to reunite with Amanda when they meet up for the diner scene, but it’s clear he’s mainly looking to her for closure over what happened between them. But this is where the short works so well.
Amanda points out that she has already forgiven him and that he must learn to forgive himself for his mistakes in order to heal and move forward with his life. It’s a rather paradoxical twist: the person he was looking to for forgiveness posits that he should be looking for forgiveness within himself. It is only after this revelation that they can begin to move past what happened and depart having reconciled as two old friends.
With its compelling cinematography and arresting portrayal of depression and regret, “Uphill” is an excellent short that provides an underpinning of how one can let go of the past and rebuild their life after a relationship ends roughly. It will be painful for a while, but forgiveness can be found, either externally or internally. Fun fact: the diner scene was shot at Remarkable Diner, which is owned and operated by the director’s parents. And as you’re watching, be on the lookout for the director himself, who cameos as a diner employee. I’ll be back next month with another spotlight short. But for now…
