May is a high school student who is struggling with depression and finds solace in caring for her family’s cat. When her teacher discovers May’s journal, he grows concerned about her well-being. May’s mother is trying to offset poverty by earning money as a sex worker, and May is struggling to cope. Caring for her cat seems to be her only escape or piece of normalcy as May navigates life, grief, and family in Before the Winter.

Venice Wong is incredible as May. She is a total standout, elevating the material to the festival-worthy drama that Before the Winter strives to be, bringing a nuanced performance to every scene. May’s story is packed with heavy emotions and a complex character study, all told within 15 minutes. Wong’s subtle performance in the role allows director Juan Zuloaga Eslait’s use of drama tropes to shine, making the short a welcome addition to the Cleveland International Film Festival.

Wong is reason enough to watch Before the Winter. She does more with her character in 15 minutes than most performers can do in 90. Flora Wengu Jiany showcases a prowess for writing drama and great young characters. And Eslait frames the narrative so that Wong’s performance enhances every aspect of the film. The twist at the end feels innately divisive.

Audiences will either accept the ending as brilliant or see it as undercutting an already bleak and emotionally riveting drama. Regardless of how one thinks about the twist, the ending will certainly spark conversation. However, the ending merits conversation almost as much as the future career of Venice Wong. 

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