Short Film Review: "Oldtimers" (2022)
Oldtimers Short Film Review
Written by Stuart D. Monroe
Released by Dead Mariachi Films / Savannah Pictures
Written and Directed by Brian Quintero
2022, 15 minutes, Not Rated
Released on July 30th, 2022
Starring:
Julian Richings as Richard
Conrad Coates as Lawrence
Christopher Cordell as Husband
Natalie Dale as Wife
Review:
What could be more natural than a couple of professional associates coming together during the holidays to celebrate their storied (and parallel) careers while exchanging presents and holiday cheer? Very little, I say. It sounds like a cozy good time by the fire. And while it at first appears that’s what we’re in for with Oldtimers, we soon discover that the term “professional associate” is no different than the term “artist”- there are many different styles and definitions.
It’s Christmas Eve. Two colleagues, Richard (Julian Richings; Cube, Naked Lunch) and Lawrence (Conrad Coates; The Expanse), are getting together to celebrate their exploits and pick each other’s brains. There’s a roaring fire, a nice charcuterie, some wine, gifts, and a ton a mutual respect. Things soon get competitive, however, leading to some saber rattling and harsh words before a truce is called and a collaboration is born! Neither man is a spring chicken, though, so they must work together to make this last work a true masterpiece.
It’s pretty clear right out the gate that you are dealing with a couple of nefarious bastards, but Quintero does a deft job of keeping you guessing at what is amiss, doling out the small reveals a piece at a time. There’s a surprising amount of detail and nuance to pay attention to; I actually watched it again right after to more fully enjoy the flow. Oldtimers is a bit like solving those brain teasers that lazy substitute teachers liked to give you in elementary school in that it has you scanning for details (especially on a subsequent viewing). The really fun part is that you’re putting it all together while these two stellar actors go tit for tat. The banter is as much fun as the horrific reveal, which didn’t shock me but greatly pleased me.
There’s a clear Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon influence that’s appreciated. Genre veteran Julian Richings and the intense Conrad Coates have an evident chemistry that makes the respect and competition aspect both believable and quite amusing. They’re like two sides of the same coin simply operating at different stages of their careers, so to speak.
Setting it on Christmas Eve in a lovingly decorated home is a wonderful touch that adds style points to what is already a great looking short film that balances the horror and the comedy with skill. If any complaint is to be had, it’s that I felt there was more story that could be told, and I wanted that. You really can’t ask much more of a short film, can you?
Grade:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
