On a day like any other, Greg (Greg Vorob) is preparing himself for work, when, for the first time ever, he is visited by his guardian angel (Elmer J. Santos). That guardian angel has an important message for Greg: that each and every decision we make plays a pivotal role in the trajectory of the rest of our lives. Greg’s Guardian Angel quickly proves to know what he’s talking about, and Greg’s life will forever be changed.
Greg’s Guardian Angel is undoubtedly one of the strangest films I’ve ever seen. Intentionally cringey, weirdly acted, and possessing a fairly odd storyline, Greg’s Guardian Angel aims to appeal to audiences using unique humor and silly tricks. I won’t lie, I asked myself numerous times throughout “what the hell am I watching?” This may appear to be an indicator that I didn’t like the short film, however, that’s interestingly not the case. Due to the fact that Greg’s Guardian Angel is so intentionally absurd, it flourishes and incites laughter throughout.
With all of that said, what is it about Greg’s Guardian Angel exactly that intrigues me? Well, for starters, I think the cast plays a pivotal role in how the audience receives the film and all of its components. Greg (by way of Vorob) is, in some ways, an everyman. He hopes that his decisions, regardless of how small, will propel him forward in life, and, as those minute details of his day to day begin to have an effect on him, they begin to consume him. Regardless of how often or vigorously one harps on the decisions they make throughout the day, Greg is a superb and accurate representation of how those obsessive compulsive behaviors can change a person. Again, the fact that Vorob (who played a role in casting himself) is able to convey this sentiment comes as a result of said casting.
As I watched and began to absorb the oddities that filled the screen, those things started to resonate with me. Sure, some of the acting is intentionally overdone, particularly by Santos (who, in his own right, is quite funny), but the exaggerated dialogue simply amplifies the reality in which many of us face on a regular basis. Greg’s Guardian Angel is well written, and, through the ridiculousness that may exist on the surface, there is a lesson to learn. Writer Dan Conrad fully understands the way in which the human mind works, and he’s able to transfer that understanding to his script. With the help of director Dan Kowalski, Vorob, Santos, Caitlin Winter (Monica), Timothy J. Cox (Elliot Schmaven), etc., Conrad's brilliance is brought to life.
Viewers may easily be turned off by the ridiculous nature of Greg’s Guardian Angel, but the reality is that this cast and crew has so much to offer those viewers. Dig deep and give the short film a minute or two to develop; it’s prowess will provide you a unique perspective on life and will allow you the opportunity to look introspectively and appreciate yourself. With wonderfully unique acting, a well-written script, and genuine honesty, Greg’s Guardian Angel has all the makings of a great film.
Directed by Dan Kowalski.
Written by Dan Conrad.
Starring Greg Vorob, Elmer J. Santos, Caitlin Winter, Timothy J. Cox, Jack Moran Jr., etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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