By Ethan Thomas
This is the question asked by Return to Sender, a short film centered around Moira, a clerk who works in the cosmic mailroom and mistakenly sends the meaning of life to Earth ahead of schedule. She must then choose between helping the person it was sent to or helping the universe restore order. Return to Sender offers a clever and fun story that will keep you guessing until the end.
Directed by Malibu Taetz, Return to Sender was curated for the Planet Classroom Network by NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) based in Seattle, Washington. This short film captures a unique story and is sure to take its audience on a journey, with a twisting plot that is sure to surprise. The film also includes themes that everyone can connect with, whether it be the demands and pressure that come with work, or the underlying question of trying to find out the purpose of life. Paired with these issues, the film also contains well crafted sets which instantly set the tone. The actors thrive as well, delivering gripping performances which are sure to make the audience laugh, gasp, and cry along with them.
Where Return to Sender succeeds is in executing a simple but powerful story and message. Overall, the film is well made and original, and can be enjoyed by anyone at any walk of life due to its comically existential tone and subject matter. The questions asked by the film ended up lingering with me longer than expected, and I couldn’t resist returning to it again. This film was a treat, and I can’t recommend it enough.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.
Ethan Thomas is a current student at Florida State University, set to graduate in May 2023. He is double majoring in Creative Writing and Information Technology and is pursuing a career in filmmaking.
Recent Comments