-Written by Kyle Bain.
2024 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Nate wants nothing more than to become a barber; so he’s worked his butt off cleaning the local barbershop, doing all that he can to ensure that his dreams come true. Nate & John depicts a familiar yet elegant story about two unlikely friends. During a time of racial turmoil, during a time when our future was uncertain–Nate and John defy all odds, refusing to let the world tell them who to be friends with. This is the story of their lifelong friendship.
Guided by incredibly simple animation, Writers David Bickel and Michael Bickel, and Director Jumai Yusuf develop a sincere story that has the potential to transcend generations and stand the test of time. While the film spans decades, the film begins not long before the Civil Rights Movement, a time in history that has never ceased to amaze anyone, that has never failed to spark interest in even the most stubborn individuals. Nate & John sticks with simplicity, but adds layers to the sophistication of the film as well by incorporating such a devastating time in American history into a story about friends. The idea of friendship, the classic tale of a young man trying to become a barber, the tried and true animation: they all lend themselves to simplicity–but the Bickels and Yusuf juxtapose this simplicity, creating something touching and beautiful.
Though the animation is simple, the animation department behind Nate & John is brilliant–constructing something that still allows viewers to see the progression of each of the characters throughout the course of the short film. With the film moving so quickly (and being only seven minutes in length), it’s important that viewers be able to understand the development of each character, as well as the passing of time. Nate & John is successful in this regard, always keeping viewers in the know–and that’s thanks to the subtle, yet effective changes made to the characters throughout the film.
Nate & John reminds me of the opening sequence of Disney/Pixar’s Up. It’s certainly not derivative of my favorite Disney flick, but it’s animated and possesses a level of intense drama that fills the screen, transcends audiences, and moves you close to tears. Clocking in at about the same length as the opening sequence of Up, Bickel, Bickel, and Yusuf captivate their viewers in such a short amount of time–developing a complete story (and a series of effective subplots as well).
This short film is quick and to the point–but it doesn’t move too quickly, allowing multiple narratives to develop through its seven-minute runtime. Nate & John does what all short films strive for, a brilliant level of development in such a short amount of time. Time isn’t a constraint on Nate & John, and this writing-directing team uses every second of the film to their advantage. The touching and emotionally driven narratives appeal to viewers, and nearly every second of the film is enticing.
Directed by Jumai Yusuf.
Written by David Bickel & Michael Bickel.
Starring Ben Holtzmuller.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
