Ted (Timothy J. Cox) is a mailman, and he may just be in love with Julia (Makeela Frederick). He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her to notice him, and he’s not just some ordinary mailman, which may just be beneficial to him. He’s a magician, and he’s been practicing his magic. This may just be the greatest trick of his life, and Julia may fall in love with it. It’s Mail Time!
There’s a plot hidden beneath the surface of Mail Time, and it’s not initially obvious. I struggled with the idea that the plot isn’t made clear, and that I had to dig for it. In a short film I typically want things to move quickly enough that I can get a bunch of information in a short amount of time, and the plot is developed quickly. The idea of Ted courting Julia and him perfecting his craft are there, but, again, it’s not obvious. Beyond it not being so easy to access, I’m not sure that the plot(s) present in Mail Time is enough to drive a film in the way that Writer-Director Sebastian Carrasco had hoped. They are ultimately the driving forces behind the film once the ball gets rolling, but they don’t constantly drive the film in the right direction.
Mail Time was difficult to get on board with, beyond the cheesiness of what Carrasco creates throughout the film. Cox is, as usual, compelling in his performance. He embodies the corny nature of the film, and he brings it to life in a way that, even though the plot isn’t entirely convincing, is entertaining. Opposite Cox is Frederick, and she plays a unique role, one with no lines–and she manages to attract audiences anyway. She has a suave, calming, charming look–and she captivates viewers from the start. She’s a phenomenal choice for this role, and she uses her time on screen to find success and help drive Mail Time forward appropriately.
Thrown smack dab in the middle of Mail Time is a rather bulky clip of Neil Burger’s The Illusionist. This is an interesting decision, but it helps to showcase to viewers the intention of this short film. Having Mail Time frame the scenes from The Illusionist strengthens the plot that may not have been so obvious before, and it gives it new, more powerful meaning.
As this story of potential love plays out, comedy ultimately becomes the most prominent force behind each and every one of its pieces. Ted is constantly seen in a cheesy light, and that levity and innocence creates the tone for the entire film. What viewers will likely find appealing is the fact that Mail Time sees Ted face his problems with a great amount of gusto and innocence, reminding us of the times when things felt simpler. This is always a welcome touch in film, and it’s employed here wonderfully.
Mail Time is simple, easy going, and fun to watch. I still struggle, however, to get over the fact that the plot isn’t developed as nicely as I had hoped. Sure, it makes its way along, and it eventually comes to a head, but (and I’m being picky) not in the way that I hoped it would. Mail Time works in the way that it wants to, and it employs some unique ways of creating its narrative–but I just wanted more. I don’t think that’s necessarily a knock on the film, but rather a reminder that art is subjective.
Written & Directed by Sebastian Carrasco.
Starring Timothy J. Cox & Makeela Frederick.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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