Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
If the non-Chinese have learned anything from movies, music videos, and social media about Chinese New Year celebrations, it’s that the event is a significant occasion for families to come together with fireworks, music, red envelopes, and lots of scrumptious food. So, Annie Wang’s mother wants to know if she will be visiting her hometown from Beijing for the New Year. “Ma, my battery is dying,” is Annie’s response – non-committal at best, passive-aggressive at worst.
Directed and written by Caroline Guo, the 2022 short film Firecracker follows 30-year-old Annie’s (Lydia Jialu Li) dilemma about whether she should finally introduce her girlfriend, Sam (Faye Tamasa), to her family or simply skip the celebrations. The women live in Beijing, with Annie as an aspiring photographer and Sam as an English teacher from the Philippines.
About 14 minutes long, Firecracker quickly establishes the spark between its protagonists. They’re celebrating their anniversary and seem happy together. However, the shadow of Annie’s family looms large over them. While Sam hopes to celebrate Chinese New Year with Annie’s family, Annie feels they’re better off without involving them. The story quickly and warmly explores how family acceptance and approval are key ingredients in romantic relationships.
Lydia Jialu Li and Faye Tamasa share an easy on-screen chemistry, and the cinematography evokes a cozy mood, briefly infused with tension over the couple’s uncertain future. It’s a bittersweet film, far too short to delve deeply into its themes, but bite-sized enough to offer viewers some food for thought. While the ending isn’t conclusive, Annie and Sam share an open-ended ‘happy’ climax.
Firecracker is available to stream on Netflix.
Also Read: Harold and the Purple Crayon Review: Drawing Magic & Mayhem
Read Next: Sikandar Ka Muqaddar Review: A Heist of Time (Audio Version Below)