It’s a Christmas film. Yes, I know Christmas has passed but I understand some people are still in the holiday spirit. Some. There are two kinds of people. The kinds who are like my mother that say there are 12 days of Christmas. Then there are people like me who say that’s just an old song that gets more annoying and ridiculous by the verse.
For those who are still dealing with Christmas aftermath, here’s a film for that, more or less. This film is called Oldtimers and it’s about two pals who look back on the olden days. Our first one named Lawrence (Conrad Coates) is just getting out of a shower and adjusting his hearing aid. The other one, Richard (Julian Richings) is slowly making his way over for a fun-filled Christmas Eve. As the two get together for a Christmas like no other, Richard gives Lawrence an old metal case with a surprise in it. Lawrence hosts one extravagant party for both of them and Richard takes the time to observe Lawrence’s home. The two friends then share some red wine and toast to a collaboration long overdue (I did something similar in my YouTube days). What do these two artists collaborate on? A rather interesting conversation. Richard complains about how he envies Lawrence who is still working and hasn’t retired yet. Lawrence on the other hand, is more of an optimist and thinks Richard worries too much. Lawrence decides to give them a change of scenery and show Richard his kitchen and there’s more talk about Lawrence’s house and the fact that Lawrence can’t hear too well. Eventually, they start to argue over their accomplishments and it turns into a giggle fit between each other. Lawrence gives Richard a lovely present of an axe and Lawrence’s present is a hacksaw. Why? Well, let’s just say we learn a lot more about these two than we should, and that’s when it ends. Maybe it’s a good thing I wasn’t watching a play or being the caretaker for either of these guys. Though it was an oddly satisfying holiday-themed film for me and I don’t get much of those.
It was well set up. Brian Quintero did a good job making this film and putting it all together. It focused not only on old age, but the story took quite a twist. The characters were portrayed by people with just the right amount of experience in both life and acting, and the dark ominous setup mixed with festive Christmas decor made for an impressive-looking atmosphere. Definitely a short film worth the festive season and so well made too.
