Lili (2019)

Directed by: Yfke van Berckelaer | 8 minutes | short film, horror | Actors: Lisa Smit, Derek de Lint

In ‘Lili’ we witness a fascinating and at the same time repulsive game that a director (or casting director) plays with an actress who comes to audition for a part. She has prepared well, knows her text and makes an impression on the first attempt.

But the director wants more. He wants her to say the lyrics in a slightly different way. He notices she’s nervous – in fact an audition is a job interview, who wouldn’t be nervous about that? – but puts her at ease. At first you think: what a nice man! But as his demands increasingly push the boundaries, you notice resistance. The director knows he has a position of power and exploits it completely. But hasn’t Lili been hacking with this hatchet before?

‘Lili’ is a short horror film, with a simple structure but a strong execution. The camera is continuously pointed at Lili and Lisa Smit is very good. She knows how to show a whole range of emotions with small gestures and facial expressions. You grant her the role, but also know that the consequence is that she has to work with this creep. That gives a contradictory feeling. The director is played by Derek de Lint – briefly in the picture, and he especially impresses with his voice, which fits the situation perfectly. Very nice horror shorts, which make you curious about Yvke van Berckelaer’s next work.