'ESTATE' The Short Film Is A Riveting Modern Fable Based On The Story By China Miéville
“Violence is a roaring forest fire. But it clears away the undergrowth, allowing trees to rise, refreshing the forest.” - Dan, ESTATE
ESTATE is a modern fable based on the story by author China Miéville. Written and directed by filmmaker Tom Harberd, the short film chronicles the lives of the population of an inner-city estate in the United Kingdom.
Due to economic and social stressors, the citizens of the estate begin taking out their frustrations on the local wildlife. Rick (Samuel Anderson, Doctor Who) is disturbed by the uptick in animal abuse he observes in his community.
Left: Dominique Tipper as Diane. Right: Samuel Anderson as Rick.
When he reunites with Diane (Dominique Tipper, The Expanse), an old acquaintance, they encounter Dan (Martin McCann, ‘71, Calibre) a mysterious former resident who has returned. Late one evening, Rick and Diane watch Dan perform an arcane ritual that summons a stag with burning antlers.
The burning stag meanders through the streets, a bizarre spectacle, agitating the community in unexpected ways.
Ultimately, the stag’s arrival heralds the uprising of the animal kingdom. Wildlife begins to fight back as the earth prepares to cleanse itself of the blight of humanity.
ESTATE can be described in one word: unforgettable.
Harberd’s directorial style draws you into a recognizable world populated with characters who could be your next door neighbors. Against the gritty, grounded backdrop of a struggling community, he presents stunning images of urban decline juxtaposed with fantastical elements perfect for conveying the modern fairy tale unfolding.
The film’s remarkable and accomplished cast - most notably Anderson, Tipper, and McCann - turn in charismatic performances all as everyday people who must grapple with the extraordinary ways their world is transforming around them.
ESTATE is a magnificent and grim environmental fable apropos for our modern times.
Watch the official ESTATE trailer here…
ESTATE is now available for rental or purchase via the video distribution platform Vimeo: ESTATE on Vimeo.
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