Jellyfish and Lobster: A Short Film That Will Linger in Your Mind Long After the Credits Roll
When it comes to short films, it is a remarkable achievement to leave a lasting impact on your audience within such a brief runtime, but Yasmin Afifi did exactly that with her magical realist, dark comedy short ‘Jellyfish and Lobster’. With a run time of 20 minutes, this short film is a mesmerising cinematic venture that delves deep into the themes of ageing, the inevitability of death and the mysterious pull of human connection.
At its core, this film is about two characters running out of time, forced to live what remains of their life with a sense of urgency. ‘Jellyfish and Lobster’ weaves a simple yet profound narrative that follows the journey of two lonely souls living in a care home: Grace, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, and Mido, suffering with dementia. Their paths unexpectedly cross whilst Mido is in a laundry cupboard that Grace enters to have a sneaky cigarette. It is this chance meeting that creates a unique bond that transcends their divergent realities and provides the solace each character craves.
Yasmin Afifi’s adept storytelling captures the struggles and emotions of Grace and Mido as they grapple with the impending end of their lives. Both characters are portrayed with remarkable depth and authenticity, drawing us into their experiences and emotions with a perfectly balanced mix of comedic and tragic moments. The chemistry between the two leads, brilliantly portrayed by Flo Wilson and Sayed Badreya, enhances the believability of their new found relationship and builds a genuine connection with the audience.
One of the film’s most intriguing elements is the pool that the duo stumbles upon. The pool holds a magical secret: when Grace and Mido submerge themselves, they are transformed into their younger, healthier selves. The symbolism here is powerful, representing the longing to escape the limitations and ailments of old age and find solace in a time when they felt more alive and vibrant.
The metaphorical elements in ‘Jellyfish and Lobster’ are woven skilfully into the narrative, leaving room for personal interpretation and further enriching the narrative. The jellyfish, a creature often associated with rebirth and renewal, epitomises the characters’ desire to reclaim their lost youth. If injured, a jellyfish can shift their cellular structure and revert to an earlier stage of their development, much like Grace and Mido when they revert to their younger selves in the pool.
Conversely, lobsters have a hard upper shell, representing strength and protection but their underbellies are far more fragile giving us a lesson about a balance between the exteriors we show to the world and our hearts within. This is extremely fitting for the character of Grace, who after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis maintains her hard exterior before finally admitting her fears to Mido. Together, the jellyfish and lobster encompass the duality of life and invite contemplation on the purpose and meaning of our existence.
The production design and cinematography of ‘Jellyfish and Lobster’ deserve a special mention. The care home’s gritty atmosphere is meticulously portrayed, immersing viewers in the characters’ world and enhancing the film’s realism. The juxtaposition of this somber setting with the moments of magical realism in the pool is masterfully handled by DOP Linda Wu creating a visually stunning experience.
With its blend of humour, drama, and magical realism, ‘Jellyfish and Lobster’ is a gem of a short film that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. It deftly explores the universal themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the inseparable links between past and present. The directors skilful storytelling, coupled with brilliant performances and captivating visuals, make this short film an absolute must-watch for fans of dark comedy and magical realism.
