Short Film Review: ‘Talk’ – The Power of Communication We Often Overlook

We often take the power of communication for granted. Well until we find ourselves in situations where we can’t effectively communicate with others. The frustration and complexities of a language barrier can get to all of us. But this challenge is particularly severe when the barrier is a result of hearing impairment or disability.

These frustrations and complexities, I believe, are captured beautifully in Jessica Perlman’s latest short film, ‘Talk‘. This two-minute gem tells the story of a deaf man who enlists the help of a translator to repair his broken air conditioner. As they negotiate tensions rise and his translator must not only help with the communication but also use her discretion to determine to what extent she can translate.

The film is set in a single location, the man’s home where he is clearly frustrated by the rising temperatures. He sits across from the repairman, trying to understand what exactly needs to be replaced on the AC unit. To bridge the communication gap, he has the help of a young girl, who translates his signing for the repairman while also relaying the repairman’s words back to him.

Jacob Schlotthauer plays the role of the deaf man, and even to my untrained eye, it is obvious that he delivers his signing with proficiency and authenticity. Beyond his signing, he conveys his emotions powerfully through facial expressions, body language, and overall demeanour. His frustration, confusion, and exhaustion are palpable, making his performance not just believable but deeply compelling and authentic.

Todd Carroll steps into the role of Doug, the repairman. Even with limited screen time, he makes an impression. His portrayal of the somewhat nonchalant, inconsiderate repairman who seems more focused on making money than on actually helping adds another layer of tension to the film. You can tell he’s seasoned in the craft of acting, as his delivery feels natural and effortless as well.

And then there is Katrina Brianne, who plays Aimee. Through the dialogue, we learn that Aimee isn’t just the translator she is the deaf man’s daughter. He acting proficiently depicts the frustration that children of hearing-impaired parents often face. She is placed in a position where she must act as a mediator, forced to exercise maturity and discernment far beyond her years. Her performance captures the emotional burden that children in these roles often carry, making her character one of the most layered and compelling aspects of the film.

It is clear that Jessica Perlman wanted to emphasize that communication goes beyond just spoken words. Dialogue is only one aspect as body language, facial expressions, and emotional cues all play a crucial role in how we understand one another. ‘Talk’ illustrates this beautifully, making the viewer keenly aware of the unspoken tensions and misunderstandings that arise when messages are filtered through a third party.

Another element that enhances this theme is the cinematography, helmed by Well Perls. Every shot, every frame, and every composition tells a story of its own. The choice to use close-ups that capture the characters’ facial expressions feels deliberate and intentional, drawing the viewer into their emotions. Even the first shot of a standing fan swivelling in the corner to cool the room conveys something beyond words. It seems to set the tone for the film’s themes of heated tension, frustration and discomfort.

I will score this short film 4 out of 5 stars. Despite its very limited runtime, Talk feels purposeful and well-crafted. It succeeds in delivering its message while capturing the complexities of communication in a way that is likely to resonate with everyone. And in the end, it lingers on long enough to make you reflect on the many ways you might have taken the power of communication for granted.