SM Goldberger’s hi mom is a bit of a magic trick. Clocking in under four minutes in length, this coming out fable still has a satisfying emotional payoff. This is what good short film filmmaking is all about.
Did you rehearse coming out? Did you agonize over the right words or even the tone of your voice? I balk at the idea that the “coming out story” needs to be retired, especially in the volatile age we are living through, since everyone begins their journey as an out queer person in a different way. For Zoe Renee’s Maya, she needs to go over the words so she can truly formulate her plan. She practices while folding laundry, decorating Christmas cookies, walking her dog, and even to herself in the mirror. Practice makes perfect!
I won’t overstay my welcome here since Goldberger has the same mentality with their work, and Renee’s expressive eyes really pull us in in terms of Maya’s nervousness and candor. The last image will leave quite the impression.
Great things come in small packages, and hi mom knows the brevity is the soul of truth.
hi mom plays as part of the Out On Film’s What We Carry: Drama Shorts block on October 4 at Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema on October 4. It will stream as part of Out On Film’s online programming beginning October 5.
