Graves (2019)

Directed by: Tijs Torfs | 12 minutes | short film, drama | Actors: Tom Audenaert, Joke Emmers, Tine Feys, Rosa Maria Debrabander, Ingrid De Vos

An almost deserted beach, wind, a cloudy sky. A man in his forties is dressed in a white shirt, dungarees and a red cap. He is busy digging a large round pit. The short film ‘Graven’ holds the viewer in its grip for a long time: what is this man’s goal? Why is he digging?

You can’t think of it that crazy or someone has it as a hobby. ‘Digging’ is a good example of this. There’s no logical explanation for why someone would wear themselves out on their day off like the man in this short film, but at the end, when he hears the proud response of his life partner somewhat resigned (probably from fatigue) a reason anyway. Very original premise by Tijs Torfs and that is skillfully portrayed, but it doesn’t seem to be more than a gimmick.