Query: Short Film Review

18th April 2020

‘Query’ is a 9-minute short film directed by Sophie Kargman and starring Justice Smith and Graham Patrick Martin as Jay and Alex, two roommates. After discussing ideas of sexuality and relationships throughout the day, tensions run high as they eventually decide to break the awkwardness and kiss.

After watching ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Detective Pikachu’, I have quickly become a fan of Justice Smith’s acting, so it was a surprise to see him appear in this short. And a delight to see him branch out into a different genre of film, compared to the previous ones mentioned.

Smith and co-star Graham Patrick Martin (Catch-22 series) work fantastically with each other. The two characters are meant to have known each other their whole lives, and their long-term friendship is believable from the moment the short starts.

‘Query’ can be split into two parts: the characters’ friendship and discussion of sexuality, then the kiss including the aftermath of that action. Before the kiss, the two roommates are happily discussing the same topic throughout the day. Alex (Patrick Martin) is even seen interacting with his girlfriend over video call. However, as the day goes on, there’s an air of awkwardness growing until Jay (Smith) breaks the tension.

The kiss is the second part of the short, because it’s an action that has changed their relationship with each other, and Alex’s relationship with his girlfriend. This is immediately noticeable when he gets another call from her and he suddenly sounds distracted, compared with the video call at the beginning of the short.

The mindsets of the two characters are also an aspect to note; because Alex is in a relationship, he’s more reserved on the idea. Jay, however, seems to be more open-minded to the idea and suggests it in the first place. The situation is acted out in a realistic way; even if Alex wasn’t in a relationship, the short deals with the idea of the first kiss and the awkwardness that brings.

Overall, this is a subject matter that required two actors that worked well with each other; if they didn’t, then the kiss at the end wouldn’t have worked at all.

Overall ‘Query’ is an interesting look into experimenting with one’s sexuality. It’s a scenario that’s been dealt with before on film, but not in such a realistic looking way. The lead actors are fantastic, making the friendship believable, and it says all it needs to say in a short amount of time.

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