MOVIE REVIEW ANALYSIS. MOVIE TITLE:STILL WYLDE.

"Still Wylde" is a deeply emotional and darkly comedic short film that explores the complexities of pregnancy, loss, and the turbulent nature of relationships. Written by and starring Ingrid Haas, the film uses a minimalist setting to deliver a powerful story centred around two partners navigating unexpected and painful turns in their lives.

From the very beginning, Still Wylde evokes a sense of discomfort mixed with intrigue. The film made me feel a combination of sadness, awkwardness, and empathy. Its tone fluctuates between humor and heartbreak, capturing the emotional instability of its central characters. The story quickly pulls the viewer into a tense, intimate world without taking time to warm up—drawing us into the drama from the very first scene.

In a few sentences, the story follows Ingrid and her partner as they experience the emotional rollercoaster of a pregnancy that ends in a miscarriage. What could have been a hopeful journey becomes a test of their love, communication, and personal growth. The story doesn’t just tell us about loss,it shows how people cope differently with grief and the illusions of control in life.

The central message of the film is that life is unpredictable, and even when we try to take control of our narratives, nature has the final say. It also highlights the emotional complexity of pregnancy, not just in a physical sense, but in terms of identity, partnership, and purpose. The twist lies in how the couple reacts to the pregnancy and the loss,highlighting that emotional healing is not always linear or shared.

The characters are well-developed, especially considering the short runtime. Ingrid, the protagonist, feels incredibly real—her conflicting emotions and sarcastic humour make her relatable. Her partner plays the foil to her rawness with quiet frustration, emphasizing their disconnect even during a shared experience.

Both actors delivered strong performances. Ingrid Haas, in particular, balances grief with biting wit and subtle body language, showing us her internal conflict without having to say too much. One character that stood out was Ingrid herself—her vulnerability mixed with cynicism created a compelling presence.

The relationship between the two leads is central to the film’s impact. Their emotional distance, even when physically close, is portrayed so naturally that it feels like watching a real couple struggle. Their chemistry was both awkward and heartbreaking, revealing the cracks beneath their connection.

The cinematography was intimate and deliberate. Close-up shots were heavily used to emphasize the emotional states of the characters, often creating a sense of claustrophobia and discomfort. This style worked well with the bathroom setting, keeping us "trapped" in the same emotional space as the characters.

One shot that stood out was when Ingrid sits on the toilet, emotionally and physically exposed. The lighting here was harsh yet soft enough to highlight her vulnerability. The green tiles in the background gave the scene an oddly sterile yet suffocating atmosphere.

The use of colour, lighting, and framing effectively communicated the internal chaos of the characters. There was little glamour—just raw emotion framed in a brutally honest way. The framing often isolated the characters within the frame, mirroring their emotional isolation from each other.

The soundtrack was subtle but effective. It didn’t overpower the dialogue or action but rather supported the mood. It enhanced the storytelling by underscoring key emotional beats, especially during moments of silence or reflection.

Sound effects and dialogue were clear and well-balanced. The quietness of the environment gave room for every sigh, every awkward silence, and every line of dialogue to hit harder emotionally. The stillness was used just as powerfully as any score.

The film’s score, while not overwhelming, left a lingering feeling—it was the kind of emotional music that doesn’t call attention to itself but works deep in the background, leaving a lasting impression of sorrow and tenderness.

Still, Wylde exceeded my expectations. What could have been just another story about pregnancy was instead a bold, honest, and uncomfortable exploration of grief and emotional detachment. Its brevity was its strength,every moment felt deliberate.

Its most significant strength was its writing and character portrayal. The main weakness might be its limited setting and short runtime, which could make it feel incomplete for some viewers. However, this also contributes to the film’s unique charm.

The film evoked strong emotions, especially sadness, empathy, and quiet frustration. It made me reflect on how people respond to emotional trauma and how often we fail to communicate our pain.

I would recommend Still Wylde to others, especially those who appreciate intimate character-driven dramas. It's not a light watch, but it’s an important one. It opens up a conversation about pregnancy, loss, and emotional disconnect in a way that is rarely shown on screen.

In the end, Still Wylde leaves a lasting impact by portraying the unspoken side of pregnancy and grief, the kind that's raw, messy, and deeply human.

Godfred Kwaku Agbley.

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https://youtu.be/wW6ZQ2Z3XdM?si=9z9Rqql96W13VQWx