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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
Enjoy premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Saul Abraham directs this short film, who also acts as an executive producer, and it was written by Callum Cameron. Himesh Patel and Tom Sweet star in this project along with Maddy Hill and Sara Stewart.
Plot Summary
The plot synopsis is as follows:
“Progressive muscle relaxation, Lycra, spoken word. As Michael (Himesh Patel) seeks novel ways to halt his spiraling depression, a moment of hope arrives via an unexpected source.”
Plot Breakdown
At first glance, Michael is clearly going through it. Although, he has a girlfriend, Katie (Maddy Hill), with whom he lives and makes enough money to support himself. However, he is attending therapy sessions via phone call, so he clearly wants help to get better. Michael is a teacher and does house-call lessons for students. His current student, Archibald (Tom Sweet), is not cooperating with anyone. The film begins with him yelling at his mother, Laura (Sara Stewart), as Michael sits downstairs. He then comes downstairs and sits then smiles at Michael as the screen cuts to Michael swimming.
I believe Michael is attempting to enjoy what he has in his life, but is dealing with depression and struggles to enjoy. However, only after he has a final breakthrough with Archibald can he truly do so. As their next lesson begins, Archibald word-for-word recites part of Loki’s “speech” before Captain America stops him from killing an elderly citizen in The Avengers (2012). Laura suggested this as Archibald is a fan of superhero films.
When he sits down, Archibald confesses to Michael that his anger stems from the fact that he gets extremely sad sometimes and doesn’t know how to handle it. Michael reassures him and tells him that it does get better. Archibald apologizes, but Michael tells him he doesn’t have to as the scene cuts to Michael swimming again. In voiceover, we hear Michael call Katie, and while he’s hesitant, it seems that he now wants to talk to her about his depression. It seems that Michael and Archibald’s final conversation helps Michael reflect that once he decides to talk about what’s going on, while it may initially be difficult, it gets better.
Discussion
At around 17 minutes, Enjoy presents a great, quick, and fulfilling story for those truly invested. However, I think the message around the title of the film reflects the opposite of what might be assumed.
Archibald and Michael are both reflections of the issues some men have difficulty talking about, such as touchy subjects like depression. Ultimately, Enjoy presents depression and toxic masculinity at the core of the story. Michael gradually begins to change for Katie and himself through exercises given by his therapist and after his lesson with Archibald. The lesson seemed to change Michael and gave him a better sense of clarity that he didn’t think was needed.
A few other cinematic elements are noteworthy here as well. The cinematography is fantastic, and the editing and framing are reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. Abraham flowed exquisitely with the camera and every shot is enjoyable for the quick pace of the film. The score was, at first, groggy for me, but once the scene starts to move, it blends well with the rest. Honestly, the shots were clean and crisp. Abraham and the cinematographer Tash Back made the film much slicker than it seemed, which was unexpectedly appreciative. The rest of my praises on Enjoy go towards the writing and story of the film. It’s great to get short films that push the boundary on a subject, albeit lightly.
4/5 stars.
Enjoy is available to watch at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
If you’ve seen this short film, perhaps the message will resonate as well with you. Be sure to check out our other Tribeca coverage and stay with The Cinema Spot for more!
Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
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