“Love & Other Crimes” is a moody, muscular short film that punches above its weight. It’s gritty, stylish, and surprisingly tender.
Clarito Zapanta’s 22-minute indie crime drama doesn’t waste a second. It opens with a man and woman bound to chairs, bloodied and silent. The film is grim, but not gratuitous. It quickly pivots to a police precinct, where Noah (played by Justin P. Slaughter) recounts a tale of drugs, violence, and a man called Jason.
Noah’s story unfolds as a noir-tinged memory play, stitched together with tension, romance, and a touch of melancholy. Slaughter delivers a revelation as Noah. He’s soft-spoken and almost gentle, but there’s weight behind his eyes. Noah is not your typical bruiser; he’s thoughtful, wounded, and quietly magnetic. His scenes with Jaelyn Sierra (as Shaye) are the emotional anchor of the film. Their diner meet-cute is charming without being cloying, and their chemistry feels lived-in. You believe these two could make it, if only the world would let them.
Then there’s Jason, played by Jordan Nancarrow. He’s portrayed with a boyish grin and dead eyes. Jason is the kind of villain who doesn’t shout; he whispers, then pulls the trigger. One moment he’s charming, the next he’s smashing heads through glass tables. It’s unsettling, and it works. Jason isn’t just bad; he’s unpredictable, and that’s far worse.
The film’s structure is clever. It’s a story within a story, told through Noah’s recollections. There’s a sense of inevitability to it all, like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know it won’t end well, but you can’t look away. The cinematography is tight and intimate, favouring close-ups and low lighting. It feels like we’re eavesdropping on something we shouldn’t hear.
Of course, there are flaws. The ending is abrupt—more of a fade-out than a conclusion. And while the film hints at deeper backstories, it doesn’t quite explore them. But that’s forgivable. This is a short, after all, and it does what shorts should: it leaves you wanting more.
“Love & Other Crimes” is a stylish, character-driven slice of indie grit. It has heart, edge, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked.
