Cropped

Cropped is a 2016 sci-fi/comedy short film that propels us into a richly illustrated universe of aliens, flying saucers, and mystery crops. The movie primarily revolves around a group of cosmically enthusiastic UFO hunters and their interactions with extraterrestrial beings, as only their passion can allow. Rebecca Birdsall and Gabby Shulman lead the ensemble cast in this charming and utterly quirky indie film.

The film is set in a small, isolated town where the mundane is the rule of the day. However, what might look like just another stretch of fields and fences on Earth's surface hides eerie secrets that are far from mundane. Here, the townsfolk are preoccupied with UFO sightings because of the proliferation of crop circles popping up in their fields overnight.

At the heart of this comedic sci-fi landscape are Lillian (Rebecca Birdsall) and Daisy (Gabby Shulman), two young women who have a profound curiosity about the mysteries of the cosmos. They are part of a group of ufologists, who, instead of conventional and sometimes monotonous lives, have chosen a path filled with the unknown and the potential excitement of making a groundbreaking discovery. Fueled by their undying curiosity about celestial beings and their credible suspicions about the appearances of crop circles in a local farmer's fields, they endeavor to uncover the truth about these mysterious occurrences.

Rebecca Birdsall plays Lillian, a headstrong lady, who is both sensible and whimsical—a perfect combination to brave the uncertainties of the unknown. Gabby Shulman portrays Daisy, her indispensable sidekick, combining a quirky, bubbly personality with an unfaltering devotion to their common cause. Their chemistry gives life to the movie, adding human depth to the sci-fi elements.

Their universe is filled with suspense, unexpected humor, and relatable moments. The screenplay splendidly intertwines elements of comedy and science fiction. Outlandish theories, extraterrestrial folklore, body language exclusive to UFO enthusiasts, and local gossip about intergalactic sightings form the amusing yet thought-provoking backdrop of the story.

Helmed by a truly unique premise and an offbeat narrative, Cropped shines with its exploration of small-town eccentricities and the subtle comic timing its main characters provide. The film successfully treads the thin line between hilarity and suspense while mental pictures of little green men and unidentified flying objects hover in the background.

The film, directed by Chris Thomas, is not just a quirky, out-of-this-world adventure but also a heartwarming exploration of friendship, pursuit of passion, and finding humor and excitement in the everyday. Attention to detail is evident from the fantastically crafted scenes of mysterious crop circles to the group meetings filled with earnest discussions about extraterrestrial symbols and signs.

The striking cinematography further adds to the film’s appeal, capturing the small town's panoramic views in daylight while enhancing the strange and surreal alien-mystery atmosphere at night, making the audience part of the protagonist’s strange yet thrilling journey.

Cropped does a stellar job of maintaining its wit and lightness while delving into the otherwise heavy themes of existentialism and the inexplicable phenomena of this vast, mysterious universe.

In conclusion, Cropped is a cinematic delight for fans of sci-fi and comedy genres. It's a testament to indie film-making, wherein authenticity of content shines over big-budget glamor. Birdsall and Shulman shine in their roles, bringing life, warmth, and humor to an other-worldly plot. The movie is a must-watch for its unusual premise, well-drawn characters, and witty plotline. Whether you are a UFO enthusiast, a fan of indie cinema, or simply looking for a good laugh, you'll find Cropped to be a surprising and satisfying watch. The relatable human narration, coupled with the intrigue of the unknown, echoes that the universe indeed might be mysterious, but it also has a sense of humor.