New to Netflix today is the short drama-thriller, Weathering. The 20-minute film – from writer/director Megalyn Echikunwoke – stars Alexis Louder, Behzad Dabu, Jermaine Fowler, and Alfre Woodard, and follows the story of a young woman coming to terms with the loss of her daughter, following a tragic birth.
In the film, Gemina goes into labour but unfortunately loses her baby in the hospital. A few days later, she returns home and attempts to come to terms with what has happened.
But dealing with a range of emotions and feelings, none of which she can reconcile, Gemina begins to experience disturbing visions and the feeling that someone is out to get her. Is this all part of the grieving process or is something more sinister taking place?
Short, sharp, and at times a little cerebral, Weathering offers a small window into the thoughts of someone dealing with overwhelming tragedy. The film centres its tale around Gemina, as she deals with intense emotional pain, and conveys this as a story about a woman being mentally and physically attacked.
In the film, Gemina doesn’t quite know if someone is stalking her or if she is losing her mind, but as the story develops, it does become clear what is truly transpiring. From here the themes and ideas come into focus and the tone and mood of the piece really begin to gel with the story.
There’s also something very important in here about gaslighting, and about patient care. All of it is wrapped up with some intriguing imagery, which is occasionally unsettling.
An interesting little film, and one which will resonate with certain audiences, Weathering is a tale about pain and grief, and finding a way to move forward in life when something truly awful happens. It is a story of survival, with a strong central performance from Alexis Louder, and some good cinematography.
The film touches upon a number of themes and subjects in a quick timeframe, and some may slip by during the first viewing. However, those who allow its content to sink in, or who take the time to give it a second viewing, will feel the power of the narrative in play.
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