It is extremely relevant in our current hyper-sexualized and often misogynistic culture where sexual assault is excused as “twenty minutes of action” and “locker room talk”. Watch the short film below.

Michael Aronson’s “Nutcracker” is a short film adaptation of the short story by Tia Clark that tells a coming of age story of Shelly, an introverted but imaginative good girl, who longs to fit in and be noticed at any cost.

Set predominantly in a sporting goods store just outside of New York City, the film opens with a scene of what appears to be a graphic rape in the stockroom of the store. However, it is soon revealed that is a hazing “game” where the male workers pounce on the female coworkers and simulate rape. Although extremely disturbing, the girls seem to welcome this attention and go as far as to ridicule the reserved and seemingly prudish Shelly for not being chosen as prey by the other boys.

Often losing herself to the fantasies in her rich inner life, Shelly escapes the mundane day to day of her retail job by imagining she is the recipient of affection from Miles, a slightly older boy at the store. As many teens often do, Shelly desperately seeks the validation from her peers and cannot understand why she is the only one excluded from the “rape game.” Inching closer and closer into dangerous territory during a night out with a few coworkers, Shelly gives into the toxic atmosphere, but unfortunately, learns that the cost of validation is the loss of her self-worth.

If you can look past the gritty realness, “Nutcracker” is a catalyst to create a dialogue around rape culture, as well as, our own personal compromises.

Director Michael Aronson shows a great skill at storytelling through using both heightened realism and fantasy coupled with great attention to detail.  The use of visually striking close-ups that range from dripping sweat, the obnoxious noise of a microwave’s beeping, condensation on their drinks, fingers touching et cetera, creates a visceral sense of tension. The scenes displaying Shelly’s fantasies are an effective tool to help the audience see the world of the film through her perspective. In addition, the sound design (Thomas Ouziel) and original score (Jacob Yoffee) add an extra layer to the storytelling that truly immerses the audience into the film.

The heavy subject matter of “Nutcracker” is a hard pill to swallow. That being said, it is extremely relevant in our current hyper-sexualized and often misogynistic culture where sexual assault is excused as “twenty minutes of action” and “locker room talk”.  It holds a mirror up to the viewer and compels them to take a good hard look at what we have individually compromised in exchange for validation.

If you can look past the gritty realness, “Nutcracker” is a catalyst to create a dialogue around rape culture, as well as our own personal compromises.  This is the type of film that sticks with you long after the end credits roll. It makes you think and want to unpack what you just experienced. Taking into consideration the current cultural climate around these issues, I anticipate more thought provoking art and filmmaking as Aronson has displayed with “Nutcracker.”

‘Nutcracker’ is now streaming on Vimeo.