Julien Neaves, Caribbean Head Writer
Plot: A young woman is held hostage in her home by her psychopathic ex-boyfriend.
Review: I have a love/hate relationship with 2019 Trinidad and Tobago short film Get Free! from Artistic Avenue Creative Group better known as AA Nation. I love the realistic dialogue (NSFW profanity warning, btw) and taut direction courtesy of writer/director Akkel Charles. I love the passionate performances by Johnette Brown as the victim Iris and Charles as the disturbing and vile abuser Fabien. I love the integration of social media in telling the story. And I loved the tense soundtrack. After the early, thriller-like tension there is the darkness of Iris being under Fabien’s control, and it is unrelenting until the end.
So, what do I hate about it? I hate the scenario that is presented here. I have never been involved in a situation of domestic violence and I felt triggered by what I was seeing. I was reminded that these types of situations happen all too often, and it vexed my soul. I felt so heavy afterwards I needed to play some video games to ease my mind. So, I hated how angry and heavy watching the film made me feel, but I appreciated that this was likely the intent, and the oppressive effect was proof of how well put together Get Free! is.
I also appreciate any film that shines a light on the scourge that is domestic violence, especially in my home country of Trinidad and Tobago. And this is definitely one of the better films I have seen tackle this very sensitive issue. I don’t want to watch this film again, but I believe every adult should watch it for themselves.
Editor Jules’ Score: 8.5 out of 10
You can watch the Get Free! by clicking here and do give them a like and a comment.
If you are in Trinidad and Tobago and have been a victim of domestic violence, or know someone who is, please call the Domestic Violence Abuse Hotline 1 (868) 800-SAVE. If you live outside of TT, please contact an abuse hotline in your country. Help is available. And if you are an abuser, please seek counselling. Violence is never the answer.
And for you dear readers, you can check out more Trinidad and Tobago drama content below:
Julien “Editor Jules” Neaves is a TARDIS-flying, Force-using Trekkie whose bedroom stories were by the Cryptkeeper, learned to be a superhero from Marvel, but dreams of being Batman. I love promoting Caribbean film (Cariwood), creating board games and I am an aspiring author. I say things like “13 flavours of awesome sauce”. Read more.