In my short opinion, Mt. Molehill is a masterpiece. It's story is similar to that of Moby Dick, but instead of the vengeful captain Ahab, chasing the whale that took his leg, We have Shan, a small child who tracks the bear who killed her father. The classic tale of revenge on the beast, in less than 17 minutes.
I don't want to dive into the plot too much since it is a short film, and spoilers are not the intention of this review. However, I will tell you that hardly a word is spoken throughout the film, and when there is dialogue, the majority of audiences won't understand the language anyway, but it doesn't matter. It's one of the best examples of superb visual storytelling. Jesse Stewart's direction is spot on, performances are very believable, the cinematography paints a stunning portrait. Each shot looks as if you could freeze frame it, frame it, and hang it in a photography exhibit, whether it be still wide of the landscape or a slow dolly behind our young protagonist creeping through the woods. Stunning. The editing is smooth, pace is just right. Stewart understands the effect of the build up and big reveal through effective plants and payoffs that feed into the sudden juxtaposition the film takes. The reveal shot is so good in fact, that if this were a feature film it would be on par with films like Jaws and even the more recent Godzilla. It's what the audience is waiting for and Stewart does not disappoint.
I can only hope this film gains momentum in the festival market because it truly is a film the must be seen. This is not, in anyway shape or form, a typical student film. I mean this as the highest form of compliment. I can only wait impatiently for this team to come together and make another film. Until that time comes, I'll leave you with this: Mt. Molehill is not only a winner, it's a champion! Festivals would be foolish not to show this as a front runner at their festivals.
