The Waiting

A quiet, watchful plunge into a child's anxiety, making ordinary city life feel fragile and quietly overwhelming.

Directed by

Richard Trombly

Overview

This film presents a vivid depiction of modern Shanghai seen through the eyes of 9-year-old Peipei Wang. Following her mother's sudden death, she and her brother are forced to rely on each other. In traditional China, family is central but modern life is changing the culture. This film explores the meaning of family when these children must care for each other since the loving support they have known is disrupted. Emotions intensify when father is late from work one day and can't be reached by phone. Peipei grasps the reality of their situation - without their father, they are entirely alone in the world. The children's intense emotions involve us and draw us in throughout this short film and leads to a surprising ending.

How it feels

Melancholic, tense and warm. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Grief, family, isolation, parenthood

Content

Mild language. No violence, gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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