Work

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Posted by: Normanyo Elizabeth  BFAMPP28002   06/22/2025  01:34 PM

Film Analysis: “Work” by Aneil Karia

 

Aneil Karia’s short film Work is a deeply emotional and visually powerful piece that captures the quiet intensity of a young woman’s daily struggles. From the opening scene, the film immediately pulls the viewer into her world, using movement, sound, and silence to create a story that is both specific and universal. Without relying on much dialogue, the film communicates heavy themes like emotional trauma, social pressure, and the often-unseen impact of racism.

The story unfolds over the course of a single day, yet the emotional weight suggests a much longer history of inner pain and exhaustion. The main character, a young Black woman, goes about her routine, but something inside her is clearly building. The tension grows as the day progresses, and by the end, it erupts—not through words, but through her body in a raw, heartbreaking dance performance. What makes the story so effective is that it doesn’t spoon-feed the audience. Instead, it allows us to feel everything through atmosphere, expression, and silence. The central message of the film seems to be about the quiet breaking point that so many people reach without anyone ever noticing. It’s a film about the emotional cost of suppressing pain and trying to keep up appearances in a world that often ignores your humanity.

The lead character is incredibly believable and relatable. She doesn’t speak much, but her eyes, posture, and especially her final dance performance speak volumes. The actress delivers a stunning portrayal that feels raw and authentic. Every movement, every look, every breath seems to carry meaning. Her interactions with others—whether on the train, at work, or in public are subtle but meaningful. She isn’t seen, heard, or supported, and that absence becomes the emotional heartbeat of the film.

Cinematography plays a huge role in bringing this story to life. The handheld camera work makes the scenes feel real and immediate, like we’re walking beside her the entire time. There’s a claustrophobic feel to many of the shot’s tight frames, narrow hallways, crowded trains which reflects her emotional state. Lighting and color are also used thoughtfully, with natural, almost gloomy tones that mirror the heaviness she carries. The final dance scene is visually stunning, capturing her release in a way that words never could.

Sound and music are just as powerful. The soundtrack is minimal, which allows small sounds like footsteps, background noise, or silence to take center stage. These choices make the tension more personal and intense. When music does appear, it supports the emotion rather than distracting from it. The sound design makes us feel the pressure she feels, especially during moments of silence or emotional release.

Overall, Work is a masterclass in short-form storytelling. It exceeds expectations by delivering such a powerful emotional experience in just a few minutes. Its strengths lie in its performances, visuals, and ability to communicate deep meaning without heavy dialogue. If there’s a weakness, it might be that some viewers could find the abstract elements challenging. However, this doesn’t take away from the film’s impact. It’s a moving and important piece that stays with you. I would absolutely recommend it to others, especially those interested in social issues, mental health, or emotional storytelling. The film’s message that there is often silent pain behind every day faces is one that deserves to be seen and felt.

The short film Work, directed by Aneil Karia, is a deeply moving story that captures a single day in the life of a young Black British woman named Aisha. Although the film is only about ten minutes long, it delivers a powerful message about emotional pressure, systemic oppression, and the quiet strength of survival. Using the structure of story arrangement protagonist, objective, antagonist, struggle, climax, and resolution this essay breaks down the film step by step to show how the story unfolds and touches the heart.

 

Protagonist: Jess is the main character of the film. She is a young woman going through what seems like a regular day in London, but from the moment the film begins, we can feel that something is heavy on her heart. She barely speaks, but her silence says everything. Through her eyes and expressions, we sense that she is carrying a deep emotional burden. She is our protagonist the person we follow, understand, and feel for throughout the entire film.

With a Specific Objective or Goal: Though Jess never tells us directly what she wants, her goal is clearly emotional. She wants to get through the day without breaking down. She wants peace, strength, and space to be herself but society around her makes that difficult. Every scene she walks through on the train, on the street, at work tests her patience and her strength. Her goal is survival, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

 

In the Face of an Antagonist with a Set of Principles: The antagonist in Work is not a villain with a face. It is the invisible system racism, judgment, coldness, and pressure that follows Jess wherever she goes. The train passengers ignore or judge her. At work, She is not directly attacked, but the world around her constantly reminds her that she doesn’t fully belong, that she must stay silent, and that her feelings don’t matter. These are the “set principles” the antagonist operates by  unspoken rules of society that hold people like her down.

 

Willing to Struggle: Jess does not fight out loud. She struggles in silence. She holds everything inside her stress, her sadness, and her frustration. She doesn't argue with anyone, but her body language and expressions tell us that she is fighting a personal war every moment. Her silence is powerful, and it shows how much she is willing to endure just to get through the day.

 Finds Herself in a Situation of Win or Lose It All: The turning point of the film happens when Jess goes to her dance class after work. This is not just a hobby this is her only space to breathe. As soon as the music begins and her body starts to move, everything she was holding back explodes through dance. It is not a performance for others it is a personal release. She cries, she screams with her body, she moves wildly and emotionally. In this moment, it feels like everything could fall apart or she could finally feel free. This is her breaking point, her emotional climax

 Until Differences in Principle Are Resolved: The film ends without any major changes to the world around her. The racist system is still there. The people are still cold. Nothing big has changed on the outside. But something inside Jess has shifted. Through that dance, she released her pain. She didn’t defeat the world but she didn’t let it defeat her either. That is her quiet victory. She resolved the differences in her own way, by reclaiming her body and voice through movement.

 Conclusion: Work is a film that shows how a single day can feel like a battlefield for someone living in a society that doesn’t see or understand them. Jess’s journey is not about shouting or revenge. It’s about quiet endurance, emotional honesty, and personal healing. Using the structure of story arrangement from protagonist to resolution we see how a simple story can tell deep truths. In just a few minutes, Work speaks for many who feel unseen and unheard, and reminds us how powerful it is just to keep going.

 

DIRECTED BY ANEIL KARIA

PRODUCED BY SCOTT ODONNELL SGO PRODUCTIONS & FILM4

https://youtu.be/nkqgjsMDYho?si=nLVlBR1EUdip8ADF