A man flirts with a woman on a golf course. Then his bag drives off with a mind of its own. | Birdie

» Subscribe for the world’s best short films: https://sub2.omele.to
» Get some merch: https://shop.omele.to

Birdie is used with permission from Alexandre Lefebvre. Learn more at https://omele.to/3Mkabhc.

OMELETO ON SOCIAL
Instagram: https://instagram.com/omeleto
Twitter: https://twitter.com/omeletocom
Facebook: https://facebook.com/omeletocom

Marcel is an avid golfer, but part of the appeal of playing at his favorite course is his crush on Joanne, the canteen chef at the 9th hole. He finally gathers his courage to invite Joanne on a romantic date, rehearsing his question on the drive to the course. But after a few holes, Marcel’s golf bag rolls off the course, taking the film in an unexpected direction about following the call of romance and having the courage to follow your heart.

Directed and written by Alexandre Lefebvre, this uniquely charming short is an unconventional take on a romantic comedy, beginning with some narrative sleight-of-hand. Unfurling with a quiet naturalism as Marcel drives to the course, we listen as he rehearses asking out the object of his affection on a date. He’s been working up the courage for some time, and he’s delighted when she shows up on the course as part of her job serving food at the 9th hole, where the potential couple settles in for what we assume will be a sweet love story.

Part of the film’s charm, however, is watching the film take an unexpected left turn. The shift is handled admirably, however, thanks to the even, matter-of-fact tenor of storytelling and craftsmanship. The visuals still maintain their elegant naturalism, and the editing and pacing take care to chart a wide-ranging, charmingly offbeat journey. Though there is little dialogue after the film’s left turn, viewers are still engaged emotionally as the unlikely hero wanders, lost and alone, and faces setbacks and obstacles.

The whimsy of the story might remind some viewers of a studio like Pixar, but there’s also an understatement to the tone and a sense of social observation reminiscent of a filmmaker like Jacques Tati, which keeps proceedings from becoming too cute. As a result, viewers are treated to a fascinating, engaging tale that captures a sense of being lost and alone in a large, overwhelming environment, as well as a quiet resolve to keep going, despite it all. And so the film’s intrepid hero refuses, in its determined, even-handed way, to be deterred, eventually finding its way to its deepest desire.

By the end of “Birdie,” we’re treated to a heartwarming and hilarious ending that’s even funnier for how soberly and calmly it all unfolds. Harkening back to the naivete of early cinema but rendered with thoughtful craftmanship, the film has a wry humor that makes its sweetness all the more palatable and sharpens its intelligent cleverness. It finds magic in the ordinary, as well as a unique take on the idea of “love conquers all” — with love as a truly universal theme for everyone and everything.

ABOUT OMELETO
Omeleto is the home of the world’s best short films. We showcase critically-acclaimed filmmakers from the Oscars, Sundance, Cannes and more! Subscribe now: https://sub2.omele.to

A man flirts with a woman on a golf course. Then his bag drives off with a mind of its own. | Birdie

Omeleto
https://www.youtube.com/@Omeleto

🎬 Got a film? Submit it to us for consideration at https://submit2.omele.to