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“Flashback” is a short Netflix film, that’s only eleven minutes long if you don’t count the end credits. Directed and written by Jed Shepherd, the story follows yoga instructor Jess (Jemma Moore), who begins to experience visions resembling the grim reaper. With a tragic fate hanging over her, Jess must find a way to save herself and her boyfriend Scott (Amar Chadha-Patel) from the clutches of death.
Since “Flashback” was listed under ‘horror,’ I didn’t think twice before streaming the film, and while the first half of the runtime is somewhat intriguing, the pace falls apart halfway through. Jemma Moore, who portrays Jess, seemed like what the cartoon character Dora the Explorer might look like as an adult, if she gave up up her travels to become a yoga instructor. Her heavy make-up and pigtail appearance didn’t quite align with the dark thriller tone the film aims to convey. The cinematography is skillfully executed, and halfway through the film, during a flashback scene set in a laser tag venue, the color palette shifts to vibrant neon tones, resulting in a rapid change in the story’s mood. However, despite the compelling visuals and and plot isn’t interesting enough.
The fundamental theme of the story revolves around the concept of receiving an unexpected second chance to transform one’s life, which Jess appears to attain quite effortlessly. In-fact she is able to alter the course of future events with too much ease. It feels like “Flashback” is missing a punchline, as if the writers forgot to add in a climactic event, so the ending is disappointingly straightforward. I had anticipated a particular twist, typical of the genre, which would have added a bit more intrigue to the otherwise rather mundane plot, making it more memorable.
Rating: 5 on 10. You can stream the film on Netflix.
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