TIFF50- Butterfly on a Wheel- short film

 

Butterfly on a Wheel

Short film: 36min - TIFF Market Screening

Director: Trevor Morris

Starring: Curran Walters

SynopSet against Toronto’s vibrant urban landscape, Butterfly on a Wheel tells the story of Jacen Davis (Curran Walters), a gifted young jazz musician at the Royal Conservatory of Music, whose immense talent is shadowed by struggles with OCD and anxiety. With the support of his brother Dylan (Michael Provost) and an unexpected connection with Sorrel (Brielle Robillard), Jacen embarks on a journey of resilience, self-acceptance, and creative freedom.

This film perfectly demonstrates what it's like living with his OCD/Anxiety struggles while trying to manage a career and relationships. It's both sweet and sad.   The cinematography is thoughtful and gorgeously lit, which I really appreciate.  The small cast performs with a lot of emotion that translates very well on screen.  I especially love the visuals of Toronto, from the chaotic city life to the Skyline views, and then to the serene and clean Royal Conservatory room.  The music is woven throughout the film to showcase the depth of the lead character's talent.  I was very impressed by all of the work that Trevor Morris did on this film, a lot of attention to detail, and you can see it all in the production value on screen and you can tell he put his heart into this film.

I sent my friend Gerald Dykstra to see the film because he works at the Royal Conservatory.  Here is his review:

Butterfly on the Wheel is a great short film. Wonderfully shot around Toronto and at the Royal Conservatory of Music.  Sound is a big part of this movie and you really feel it when the character Jacen (Curran Waters) is overwhelmed with the sounds of the city. He can retreat into his music but his anxiety prevents him from performing. The acting is superb and you really follow Jacen on his journey to overcoming his anxiety.  Supporting actors are great at doing just that supporting Jacen on his journey.  The ending is wonderful.  The score of the movie along with piano playing is fantastic.  The writer/director (Trevor Morris) also composed the music for the film and he clearly knows what he is doing.  What a great uplifting film.

Official Site: butterflythefilm.com

Trevor Morris: trevormorris.com | IMDb | Instagram