I have a tendency to dismiss short films, focusing on the longer, more narrative driven works. The Cure, however, is a haunting short film from first time director Ryan Jafri that should not, no, cannot be ignored. This darkly poetic melodrama challenges the viewer with its dramatic imagery and a voice over guide that shouldn’t work but, does.

It’s a young woman who is providing the voice over. Heartbroken after catching her boyfriend cheating, she turns to a hitman to relieve her anxiety, hatred and despair. I dwell on the voice over because it’s a well-written narration that lacks the contrivances I was expecting when I first saw the film.

The narration also allows the actors, who have no spoken lines, to perform at a level that is rarely found in a director’s first work. In many indie features I’ve seen acting that leaves much to be desired. Here, I can’t help but get emotionally involved with these performances that demand to be understood without words. Jafri’s biggest achievement may be his ability to command the actors and thus the film.

For more information on The Cure visit Jafri Pictures at www.JafriPictures.com.