Short Film: The Visit (2022)

Synopsis

Driven career woman Yi-Hua visits her aging grandmother, Nai Nai, at the old family farm, pregnant and with her American-born husband in tow. Disappointed in Yi-Hua’s dedication to her new life in the city and uninterested in the trappings of modern existence, Nai Nai storms off in a fit of rage into the thick forested mountains surrounding her home.

When she doesn’t return at nightfall, Yi-Hua is tormented and heartbroken by the potential loss of the woman who raised her. Nai Nai miraculously returns days later, unharmed, but Yi-Hua worries that there may be more to her grandmother’s absence than meets the eye.

Commentary

The atmospheric scenery and cinematography are excellent; it’s very sharp and clear. The characters and motivations are clearly spelled out and realistic; there’s a full story here.

Once Grandma returns from her mysterious five-day absence, things start getting strange. I’m pretty sure if this happened in America, that poor old Granny would end up in a nursing home, but this being Taiwan, it’s a whole different situation.