What initially appears to be a nice family dinner quickly transforms into something far more uncomfortable. Father and son don’t see eye to eye, secrets are revealed, and tensions begin to rise. Some might see the conversation as a form of Protection, but others see it as hostility. This once charming get together is falling apart–and the ramifications of all that transpires will last permanently.
This low-budget independent film aims to display the plights of family (and the family dinner) in a way that’s honest and accessible. I believe that Writer-Director Xiantong Wang achieves this goal, as the cinematography and tone lend themselves to viewers being able to appreciate all that they see throughout Protection. Wang has developed a series of situations in which the real world is depicted, in which viewers can see themselves–and that allows viewers to better appreciate the film.
What Wang is able to do throughout the course of this short film is place the four characters in the simplest of scenarios–dinner with their family. Like every other family dinner in history, conversation arises, and both good and bad rises to the surface. I appreciate this. Rather than just showing one side of the family-dinner dynamic, Protection presents the entire scope of what it can look like, inviting a wide-range of viewers into the film and all of its pieces. There’s a juxtaposition of topics being covered throughout the course of Protection, and this allows the film to be more honest and more accurate than it would have been had Wang focused on one thing.
Wang’s attention to detail is what allows every other aspect of the film to come to life effectively. Simple things like the cook burning his hands on a boiling pot of water or the placement of food on the table. Things seem to be meticulously placed, and the decisions that Wang makes play a pivotal role in how viewers perceive Protection. This helps to create plausibility, honesty, and it strengthens the bond between viewer and film early and often.
This is essential, because considering how small the apartment is in which the film takes place, it makes it difficult to believe aspects of what is being said and done. Every piece of the dynamic between father and son and father and daughter make sense–but some of the side conversations, ones that are supposed to take place out of earshot of certain characters, just don’t make sense. I’ve always hated in films and television when a character steps just feet away from others and viewers are supposed to believe that no one else can hear what’s taking place. Protection falls victim to this bogus ploy–and it frustrates the heck out of me. However, that makes everything else that Wang does far more important–and when it works it means even more.
It’s the realism present in Protection that allows the film to find success (even if there are some plunders), that allows it to reach viewers and mean something to them. Seeing and hearing the conversations between a father and his children reminds viewers of the things that they have experienced throughout their lives–and it helps to bridge any gap that may exist between them and the film. Wang ensures the film’s success, because just about every aspect of the film works. It’s simplicity and attention to detail that exists throughout the duration of the film–and this is why Protection thrives.
Written & Directed by Xiantong Wang.
Starring Dan Berkeley, Charley Young, Brian Reilly, & Zachary Clarence.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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