ith exaggerated, Technicolor-like imagery, paired with interruptive film artifacts to create a particularly dated look to the pseudo-print – along with old-fashioned title graphics and a quaint song – this short subject introduces an exhausted hiker (Nicky Maindiratta) as he makes his way to the summit of a massive hill in Texas. He joins plenty of gathering onlookers who intend to witness an upcoming solar eclipse from this high perch, promising a spectacular view, though he seems less enthusiastic about the event than others. As he waits to meet up with his girlfriend, he strikes up a conversation with a fellow sky-watcher (Megan Greener) who knows more about these sorts of activities. “You didn’t bring water?”

An impressively casual, candid exchange ensues, showcasing the talent of the two stars (and director Lucy Gamades’ knack for staging their interaction). It may not be entirely realistic, with such overly charitable individuals, but it’s still an engaging experiment. Their discussions touch upon religion/spirituality versus the scientific components of the cosmos, the certainty of mathematics versus the qualms of faith, unpreparedness, relationships, and more. It’s consistently amusing, even when it dwindles to focus on the eclipse itself (the real deal in real-time – at least for the totality!), highlighting a brief but thought-provoking episode of reflection and pondering. And the links to why humanity is fascinated with such otherworldly phenomena nicely fits within the lead duo’s momentary examination of societal expectations and structures.

It may not amount to much, especially since there’s no specific beginning or end to their story, but it’s nevertheless a touching little exercise in seeing strangers share a moment of eeriness and happiness that is significantly larger than themselves. These are the kinds of subjects that make for a worthwhile short. “It’s a gift from god.”

– Mike Massie