Less than 60 minutes: A short film review series

Words by Liam Stretch

As we branch into a new area at Yo, Vocal, that of the short film review variety, we are presented with a whimsical Kiwi tale.

The first featured review is of WILDCARD: The Leighton Price Story. This 30-minute mockumentary follows Leighton Price, a professional tennis player who has dreams to make it big. Having just returned from a match in Perth, Western Australia, 23-year-old Leighton camps up at his family home to get ready for his next big move. Along the way, he faces big decisions and conflicts that will seal his fate as a star on the court or on the stage.

This film is written and directed by Matthew McGowan and stars Leonard Powell as the protagonist, and I commend them on a sound film. As a big short film fan myself, the major obstacle most come up against is the ability to tell a story in the limited time frame. This had a clear cycle and actually, was quite well written; with several lines making me chuckle. Of note, were when Leighton was describing his flaws in tennis, “some people call me pizza boy because I have such a strong slice; some people also call me the McFlurry because I’ve got a soft serve”.

I particularly enjoyed Leighton’s parents; classic Kiwi mum and dad, they were besotted with their son’s efforts in whatever field he tried his talents at. Leighton also has a penchant for American Idol – the early seasons especially – and I have the presumption that much of this was adlib, and I found myself agreeing with his sentiments on Randy Jackson.

All in all, it was a pleasant half-an-hour watch. It gave me something to laugh at on a dreary Wednesday, and I am awe of what the pair managed to produce over the lockdown period – especially if it is the first attempt. Like a lot of short films, it is super-low budget – approach it with an easy-going mind, and you’re bound to be pleasantly surprised.

Watch the film below.