‘Rue’ is an award winning new film from young director, Sean Treacy who has also written and edited the short. The story line gives tremendous weight to the fragile friendship between two young boys; Daniel and Luke. We may forget the importance of childhood friendships, especially since many films foreground the trials of teenage/adult relationships. ‘Rue’, however, works well to portray the fact that the complex nexus of emotions we often associate with adult relationships are actually present from a young age. By centralising the regrets and worries of Daniel, his feelings aren’t trivialised by the presence of more ‘complicated’ and more ‘grown-up’ issues but instead are allowed to exist for what they are.
The performances of the main characters are excellent and emotion is conveyed easily. As well as this, the non-linear narrative works well to create mystery and tension until the final scenes. By making us wait to find out what really happened between Daniel and Luke, Treacy keeps the audience engaged and brings about a greater sense of resolution in the end. The middle third of the triptych presents Daniel in a state of melancholic reflection. Blue tones are harshly noticeable against the previous scenes, set in natural light. Even the memories of Luke that are placed within nature cannot summon a warm feeling as the juddering strings that accompany the sequence evoke a feeling of anxiety.
As the day in the woods is relayed for the final time in its entirety, we are able to fully appreciate what the skilful editing has brought to the film. The mistakes made by both Daniel and Luke are now apparent and the audience hope the boys can find a way past what has happened, returning us to an equilibrium again.
Sean Treacy’s short film ‘Rue’ is available to watch on YouTube now!
Find out more on Sean’s YouTube Channels…