-Written by Kyle Bain.
When Dr. Walker (Daniel Berkey) notices one of his students drawing a circle on a desk, his world begins to unwind as the shape seems to symbolize something of importance in his life. As he attempts to connect with The Circle and his student, he begins to realize just how unhinged both he and his reality are.
This is the sort of role that Berkey thrives in, one where it seems that he gets to dig deep into his emotional repertoire and express to viewers just how powerful of an actor he is. The Circle allows Berkey to express discontent, anxiety, excitement, and more–and in only a short twenty-minute film. While he’s often surrounded by darkness, strengthening his emotional bond with viewers, he is what ultimately allows emotion to come through–particularly in the final minutes of The Circle. He gets to play something of a creep toward the conclusion of the film, and he sticks the landing beautifully.
The circle is prominently featured throughout the course of the film, and it manages to take on the role of a character. It’s not always the same circle. Sometimes it’s a plate, sometimes a drawing, sometimes it’s something else entirely–but they all seem to play a similar role; existing as a metaphor for something bigger. The Circle briefly mentions the empty space that exists in the circle drawings, and that seems to be the point of the film in a lot of ways–at least that’s what I found myself constantly coming back to.
I found myself present in this sort of void–in this dark space that is meant to represent our harrowing reality; and Writer-Director David Von Schultz brilliantly brings this aspect of the film to life. The darkness that exists throughout the course of The Circle helped to strengthen the narrative, support the actors, and ultimately allow viewers to digest any and all metaphors. Schultz makes brilliant use of light throughout The Circle, always using it to his advantage. Whether he’s highlighting one of the characters or if he’s avoiding light in order to showcase a particular emotion–Schultz always finds a way to strengthen his film in this regard.
Additionally, Schultz makes good use of time, as there’s a lot that happens in such a short film. Twenty minutes doesn’t feel like it should be enough time to tell a complete story of this magnitude–but he manages to fit everything in regardless. Nothing is rushed, nothing feels out of place, and he continues to find ways to elevate the narrative by using time to his advantage.
The Circle is a succinct and effective film that seems to tell a complete story through the use of symbolism and light. Led by Berkey, the acting works to strengthen every bit of the film and continue to drive home the sentiments that Schultz was hoping to develop. A dark, accurately told story that’s representative of the real world, The Circle hits all the right notes, bringing to life something that should resonate with all.
Written & Directed by David Von Schultz.
Starring Daniel Berkey, Ben Heinman, Christine Scherer, Camille Mazurek, Heather Frederick, Hunter Frederick, etc.
8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
