REVIEW: Saratoga Film Showcase Presents “Coming to Terms” Shorts
01/24/26 @ Saratoga Arts
Photo by Shawn LaChapelle
“...each of the films achieved something really profound.”
Leaving the house on a day with subzero temperatures wasn’t a foregone conclusion, but I’ve never been to a film festival, and I’ve always wanted to so I decided not to be a baby and drive up to Saratoga. My colleague Corey Dempsey would be covering most of this festival, but I claimed a specific block of films to write about — “Coming to Terms” is the theme, so I’m strapping myself in for an emotional rollercoaster.
But let’s stop here. Because if you’ve read any of Corey’s articles, you know he doesn’t always take a conventional approach. So I’m going to go a little out of my element here and draft something in a style that Corey himself would appreciate. Below you will find an original screenplay retelling of the day’s events watching original screenplays unfold on screen. I will be playing the role of the narrator. The whole thing was a great experience, and each of the films achieved something really profound. I don’t know if or how you can see them, but I’m sure with some light Googling you can figure it out (and you absolutely should). Without further ado… my debut screenplay.
* * *
INT. THEATRE - DAY.
A crowd slowly filters into a small, makeshift theatre, folding chairs laid out in neat rows. There is idle chatter as people take their seats ahead of a projector that is set up to screen a selection of short films. Our narrator takes his seat, bundled up in a hat, coat, gloves and scarf. He is also holding a London Fog Latte from an unnamed, corporate coffee company, indicating he has questionable taste. This is clear because the chairs beside him remain empty, despite every other row filling up.
PAN: PROJECTOR SCREEN - GOLDEN AFTERNOON
V.O. NARRATOR
Emotions sure are running high right from the jump. Ahh, this appears to be a film about a memorial service — nay, a celebration of life — for a loved one. That makes sense. Interesting choice to tell this story through the eyes of the event planner.
Narration beat, eyes are fixated on the screen.
V.O. NARRATOR
Whoever sequenced this showcase really wanted us to feel some feelings right away. What a beautiful depiction of celebrating someone’s life in a joyful way. Really makes you think about the different ways we honor people.
The crowd applauds as the credits roll, and the next film begins. “UNSAID” is displayed on the screen.
V.O. NARRATOR
Another examination of grief incoming. Some heavy shit for a Saturday afternoon.
The crowd begins to laugh. This happens twice in pretty quick succession.
V.O. NARRATOR
I did not expect to find a short film about a slightly racist granny to be so amusing…
FILM AUDIO
“Only YOU get to define what people mean to you and your life.”
V.O. NARRATOR
…and moving. Damn. That was a masterclass.
The crowd applauds again as the credits roll. “Unidentified Caller” begins to play on the screen.
V.O. NARRATOR
There’s a Rooney Mara type on screen, chilling in an old library. Pretty nice library. Holy shit that phone ringing just made everyone jump. Why did everyone jump? Was it because it’s an old landline? Are we watching a Scream reboot? Oh, shit. That’s a creepy motherfucker on the other end of that phone. And he knows her name?!? I should probably stop narrating every thought for fear of spoiling this one.
More applause. By now, you get the rhythm. “The Resonance” begins to play.
WOMAN SITTING DIRECTLY BEHIND NARRATOR
“Oh, this one’s really good.”
V.O. NARRATOR
A lot of text on the screen. Something about a psychiatrist interviewing a patient to determine if she needs an exorcism. Takes place in 1979.
Beat - the audience is completely still and tense, captivated by the film.
V.O. NARRATOR
There’s been one actress on screen this entire time without a single line. And this performance is incredible. Give her all the awards. Oh fuck, here comes some Stranger Things shit. That woman behind me was right.
Sashia Dumont in The Resonance
Applause. Narrator jots down the name “Sashia Dumont” on his iPhone Notes app to remember that was the actress in the film (as well as the writer and director). “Seedless” begins to play.
V.O. NARRATOR
Oh good, I could use some comedy after that one. Good pacing, Saratoga. This is one fucking eccentric Uber driver. The coloring of this film makes me feel like I’m watching Drive right now. And the dialogue is perfection.
Beat as the audience erupts in laughter.
V.O. NARRATOR
This just took an interesting turn. And yet, everyone here is still laughing. How did they accomplish this crazy mix of tone? They’re wearing ski masks and there’s party lights in the back of this Uber, for fuck’s sake.
Applause applause applause. “So Long” begins to play.
V.O. NARRATOR
This looks like a home movie. Honestly, I have no idea what’s happening but the editing is fantastic. An elderly married couple appears to be grappling with the cruel passing of time. Is this a drama? A thriller? Something that will become sci-fi?
“A sacrificing unity, the sharing of time and space” is displayed on the screen. The camera pans around to show the audience literally sharing time and space. (Isn’t that lovely symbolism?) Then they all start clapping. Don’t worry, we’re only going to write that one more time. The next film begins.
V.O. NARRATOR
Another landline ringing. Hey, isn’t that the mom from 13 Reasons Why? We’re clearly witnessing a mother/daughter dynamic here, an elderly woman in her home, a daughter reluctantly visiting to check on her. Yup, that’s definitely the mom from 13 Reasons Why. Oh damn. So this woman definitely has Alzheimer’s.
Pan to audience members wiping tears from their eyes.
V.O. NARRATOR
We’re covering Alzheimer’s, the passing of time, and now wartime PTSD? Jesus, these filmmakers didn’t fuck around.
FILM AUDIO
“Hold onto those moments of bliss.”
V.O. NARRATOR, OVER AUDIENCE APPLAUSE
Man, that hit hard. Note to self: make reference within my piece to my own experience witnessing my grandfather’s Alzheimer’s and how much that film resonated with me.
Volunteers begin staging chairs on stage as Spencer Sherry of Saratoga Arts calls up seven filmmakers for a Q&A. Slow fade out as Spencer, the filmmakers and the audience are all interacting, bringing the “Coming To Terms” block of films to a close.
