SHORT FILM REVIEW
T.H.O.T?
A confident ladies' man reconsiders going on a date after hearing gossip at the local barbershop.
WE HAVE ALL BEEN there; most of us have also suffered the consequences of gossip. It can take many forms. The the most prevalent form is what is addressed in Jayson Johnson and Sara Anders' short film T.H.O.T? In this case, the water cooler gossip is actually the barbershop gossip, and in this particular case, it involves gossip about a woman. Definitely not a new concept but one as old as time.
...IT'S CLEAR TO SEE HE IS INTERESTED IN GETTING TO KNOW HER MORE.
Oddly enough, this film doesn't really have a leading protagonist. The film switches points of view, and generally speaking, the three "main" characters receive equal screen time. It starts with Kev (Arion Johnson) imagining how his perfect first date will end with Stacy (Phoenyx Rose.) As he sits in the barbershop daydreaming instead of watching the game on TV and getting his hair cut, the gossip begins from those surrounding him. The effect of the gossip becomes apparent ... but nothing seems set in stone. As it sits right now? The date is still happening.
Then we switch over to Stacy as she prepares for her date. Clearly, Stacy is incredibly hopeful of what is to come and considers Kev to be a gentleman and boyfriend material. Much to the dismay of her friend, who seems determined to keep Stacy's hopes at a more down-to-earth level. Eventually, Stacy arrives at their "date" spot, where she meets Isiah (Adrian Marcel), who we met previously at the barbershop. As he seats her, it's clear to see he is interested in getting to know her more. The rest? I'll leave that up to you to watch for yourself. 
IT FELT LIKE THERE WAS STILL SO MUCH STORY AND SO MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE.
Even though the main concept of this film involves rumors and gossip, there are still a lot of underlying issues at play here. Issues involving one's perceived reputation, self-worth, and even a person's insecurities all have their spot in this complex mix of conceptual emotions. There's more here than a simple look at rumors and what gossip can do ... and it's all captured wonderfully in a few very short minutes. My only complaint, and it directly affected my rating, was that T.H.O.T? felt unfinished. Or, more precisely, like a small segment of a larger production. Technically, there was a beginning, a middle, and an end, but it didn't "feel" that way. It felt like there was still so much story and so much more to explore. I also didn't feel like I got much of a conclusion. No ramifications for the characters. I guess technically; this is a compliment because I'm complaining that I didn't get to see more. You'll have to decide for yourself, and in order for you to do that, you'll have to watch the film.
T.H.O.T? IS ONE INCREDIBLY SOLID FILM FROM A PRODUCTION PERSPECTIVE.
T.H.O.T? is one incredibly solid film from a production perspective. The acting is handled nicely; the writing is good, and overall this was a pretty solid offering. Well above the average mark. Its point is clearly displayed; I just wish there was a little more meat on the bones to chew on—three stars; well done.
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