DIGITS

In the digital age, where most interactions are brief and fleeting, Digits, a short film by Alexander Engel, dives into the chaos and comedy of modern love and obsession. This cleverly written and emotionally sharp film follows a man who loses the phone number of a woman he believes could be “the one.” With only a single digit to go on, he embarks on a borderline ridiculous mission to call every possible number combination until he finds her. Through humor, heart, and a touch of madness, Digits explores themes of connection, desperation, and the lengths people go to avoid regret.

From the very beginning, Digits manages to grab the viewer’s attention. The protagonist, dressed in a bright orange sweater, is seen holding a phone to his ear while his other hand covers his face in frustration. This opening immediately communicates both the humor and tension that define the tone of the film. I felt a mix of amusement, curiosity, and a strange sense of anxiety as the story unfolded. The idea of someone going through such extreme lengths for a romantic lead is ridiculous—but oddly understandable. We’ve all experienced a moment we wish we could relive or correct, and this film captures that emotion in a bold, exaggerated way.

The story is simple but effective. A man meets someone he connects with deeply but then loses her number. Armed with only one digit she gave him, he sets out to find her by calling every possible number combination. It’s absurd, yes—but that’s where the film’s genius lies. It turns a relatable fear (losing a chance at love) into a hilarious and gripping journey. At its core, the film speaks to the fear of missing out, the pressure to hold onto rare connections, and how technology can both help and hinder human relationships. One of the strongest elements of the film is its unexpected escalation. The main character's actions go from slightly desperate to completely obsessive, and it’s both shocking and hilarious to watch.

Character-wise, the film centers almost entirely on the lead character, and the actor delivers a wonderfully layered performance. He is quirky, expressive, and believable, despite the extreme situation. His facial expressions, voice tone, and mannerisms make him likable and relatable—even as he spirals into obsession. We don’t get to know the woman he’s trying to find, but that doesn’t take away from the film. The emotional weight he attaches to that brief moment of connection says everything. The relationships in the film aren’t deeply developed, but the emotional investment from the main character is strong enough to carry the story.

Visually, Digits is clean and deliberate. The cinematography is simple but effective, focusing mostly on close-up shots and medium frames that capture the character’s emotions. The bright colors, especially the protagonist’s orange sweater, create a vibrant contrast against the calm, blue background and the hand-painted shark mural behind him. These visuals help set a slightly surreal tone that matches the absurdity of the story. The lighting is natural, and the framing focuses our attention on the character’s expressions, reinforcing the emotional journey without the need for elaborate camera work.

Sound and music also play a subtle but important role in the film. The soundtrack is minimal, but it enhances the tone of each scene, especially as the story becomes more intense. The dialogue is clear, and sound effectsg particularly phone call beeps and ringing tones add realism and a repetitive rhythm that mirrors the main character’s obsessive mission. While the score isn’t particularly memorable, it complements the film’s pacing and doesn’t distract from the storytelling.

Overall, Digits is a memorable short film that exceeds expectations. Its greatest strength lies in its originality and emotional relatability. The idea of obsessing over a missed connection is something many people can identify with, but the film elevates it with clever humor and tight storytelling. One potential weakness is that the premise might feel unrealistic to some viewersbut given the comedic tone, this is easily forgivable.

The film left me with strong emotions: laughter, curiosity, and a bit of sadness. I found myself asking how far I would go to avoid losing something that felt meaningful, even if it was brief. I would absolutely recommend this film to others. It's short, sharp, and surprisingly thought-provoking. It serves as a reminder that in the rush of modern life, meaningful moments can slip away in an instant—but sometimes, the heart refuses to let go.

In conclusion, Digits is a short film that leaves a lasting impression. With its unique story, committed performance, and simple but effective visual style, it offers both humor and insight into how deeply we value human connection. Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just a fan of clever storytelling, this film is worth the watch. 

Shorts by Alexander Engel 

#VisualStorytelling

Godfred Kwaku Agbley 

Index number: BFAFD28017