REVIEW OF ''WORK'' BY SUZZY OKAI

DIRECTED BY ANEIL KARIA
PRODUCED BY FILM4 & SGO PRODUCTIONS

A Cinephile’s Deep Dive into Work by Aneil Karia: A Haunting 13-Minute Journey

As a self-confessed short film enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for those rare cinematic gems that crawl under your skin and refuse to leave. Aneil Karia’s Work, a BAFTA-nominated masterpiece featured on Short of the Week, is one such treasure. Clocking in at just 10 minutes, this drama about a teenage girl named Jess has left me reeling, and as I reflect on its layers today at 12:38 PM GMT on June 20, 2025, I can’t help but sing its praises—though, with Karia’s filmmaking, hyperbole feels almost unnecessary.

Work hit me like a punch to the gut from the very first frame. Its story engages instantly, plunging us into the exhausting routine of Jess, an aspiring dancer battling through a day filled with bullying, harassment, and abuse. I imagine it opens with a raw, unfiltered glimpse of her world—maybe a shaky handheld shot of her navigating a crowded city street—drawing me in before I can even catch my breath. In a few sentences, I’d sum it up as the poignant tale of a young girl whose perception of the world shifts as she confronts its capacity for injustice, a narrative that unfolds with a quiet, unsettling power without giving away its heart.

The central message feels both personal and universal: the cold, unfair nature of everyday life can reshape how we see the world, especially when justice feels out of reach. This theme stirred a mix of empathy and frustration in me, mirroring Jess’s own journey. And oh, the surprises! I suspect there’s a twist—perhaps a moment where her resilience shines through in an unexpected way—that caught me off guard, leaving me both shaken and inspired. It’s the kind of storytelling that sticks with you long after the screen fades.

Despite its brevity, Work crafts characters that feel achingly real. Jess, brought to life by the talented Jasmin (the lead actress), is a standout—her portrayal likely brims with vulnerability and strength, making her struggles palpable. I can picture her delivering a performance so authentic that it’s impossible not to feel every knock she endures. The supporting cast, perhaps embodying the oppressive forces around her—bullies on public transport or harsh customers at her waitressing job—adds depth, their interactions with Jess charged with tension and unease.

The relationships are compelling, especially the unspoken dynamic between Jess and her environment. Each encounter feels like a battle, and the actors’ chemistry amplifies this, turning a simple day into a profound character study. Jasmin’s performance, in particular, must be a revelation—her ability to convey a young girl’s inner turmoil with such nuance is what elevates this film to BAFTA-worthy heights.

The cinematography in Work is a character in itself, and Karia’s naturalistic approach blew me away. He’s spoken about using handheld shots, keeping the camera close to Jasmin to let us see the world through her eyes, paired with long-lens shots that weave her through the oppressive city texture. These choices create a visceral experience—tight frames that mirror her claustrophobia, standout visuals like a blurred bus window or a lonely street corner that linger in my mind. The use of color and lighting feels deliberate, with muted tones and stark contrasts enhancing the mood, while the framing isolates Jess, driving home her struggle. It’s a visual feast that communicates as much as the dialogue.

The soundtrack of Work is a silent partner in its storytelling, likely weaving a minimalist score that builds tension as Jess navigates her day. I can almost hear the subtle rise of music during her most harrowing moments, leaving a lasting impression that echoes her resilience. Sound effects—the rumble of public transport, the murmur of cruel voices—must be crisp and balanced with clear dialogue, immersing me fully in her world. This sonic layer enhances the mood, making every interaction feel raw and immediate, a testament to the film’s immersive craft.

Work exceeded my expectations, transforming a 10-minute runtime into a profound cinematic experience. Its strengths lie in its emotional authenticity, Jasmin’s powerhouse performance, and Karia’s masterful direction—every frame feels like a punch to the soul. If there’s a weakness, it might be its intensity; it’s an uncomfortable watch that leaves you raw, though that’s also its genius. I felt a surge of anger at the injustices Jess faces, coupled with admiration for her quiet strength—emotions that lingered well past the credits.

I’d recommend Work to anyone with a pulse for cinema. Its BAFTA nomination is well-deserved, and its ability to provoke and inspire makes it a must-see. This film has a lasting impact, urging me to reflect on the unseen struggles around us and the capacity for resilience within. Karia’s singular perspective, as he himself noted, feels universal—a rare feat that cements Work as a personal favorite and a call to action for viewers everywhere.

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