7:35 in the Morning

7:35 in the Morning is an intriguingly unique short film from 2003 that creatively merges the charm of musical theatre with the suspense of an unpredictable thriller. Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, who also plays a significant role in the film, the plot unravels in an extraordinarily unusual morning in a quiet café, tapping into themes of love, obsession, and the unexpected. Running for just a little over 7 minutes, the movie is an exploration of emotion, relationship dynamics, and human behaviours that squeeze an array of emotions into its brief runtime.

The talented Marta Belenguer leads the cast as the central character, a woman stepping into her routine morning haunt, a simple café, only to find herself in an astonishingly peculiar situation. The film captures your attention instantly as she walks into an eerie silence that cloaks the café patrons and the wait staff. Her usual morning coffee takes an unexpected turn, as the eponymous time of 7:35 marks the beginning of an overture surreal in nature. Belenguer’s performance artfully balances on a razor’s edge of surprise, bewilderment, fear, and intrigue as she navigates through this perplexing morning. Her portrayal, sublimely devoid of dialogues, lures the viewers into sharing her emotions and experiences.

Accompanying her is Nacho Vigalondo, who is not only the director and writer of this highly acclaimed short film but also a key player in the story’s core event. Vigalondo's performance is a medley of nervous excitement, passion, and desperation, charmingly wrapped in an oddly endearing awkwardness. His part is central to the narrative, revealing the unique, unusual theme of the story while keeping the audience on their toes. Without revealing much, it can be noted that his role pivots between the subdued tones of regularity and the grandiose pitch of peculiarity.

Antonio Tato makes an important contribution to the cast ensemble. He brings the everyday mundane life into an intriguing juxtaposition against the unusual event that takes place in the café. His reactions to the unexpected balances the uncanny situation with normality, bringing a hint of relatability to the extraordinary situation that unfolds in the café.

The film plays ingeniously with the audience's expectations, starting from seemingly common everyday scenes and gradually pulling back the veil to expose unexpected peculiarities. The brilliant use of multi-layered undertones, dance counts, and cryptic conversations makes this singular directed art piece far more engaging and absorbing than your typical short film. The use of music in this narrative is not a mere backdrop but a powerful character in its own right which drives the plot.

Shot exclusively in black and white, the cinematography by Jon D. Domínguez captures the nuances of the story’s development meticulously. The monochrome palette gives the film a timeless feel and allows the raw emotions and the stark contrast of routine against peculiarity to take center stage. The simplicity and sincerity of the setting and the story help to create a space where the unusual flourishes against the backdrop of normalcy making it impossible to predict the upcoming twists.

Since its release, the film has continuously been appreciated by critics and audiences alike, and it was even nominated for Best Short Film in the 77th Academy Awards. It will not be an exaggeration to label it a ‘musical thriller’ - a genre-bending movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat yet tapping your feet. Though it may seem an unlikely mix, Vigalondo masterfully integrates elements of suspense, humour, romance and twinges of darkness into a harmonious mise en scène.

In summary, 7:35 in the Morning is an exceptional cinematic work that masterfully blends innovative narrative, nuanced acting, and intriguing plot to provide an unforgettable movie experience despite its limited 8-minute span. The unexpectedly fascinating journey through a range of emotions leaves viewers contemplating the fine line between the banality of daily life and the peculiar twists of individual encounters and interactions. It's a film that firmly establishes Vigalondo’s prowess in storytelling and seal with a genre-defying brilliance.