Dead Hearts

Dead Hearts is a whimsical short film released in 2014, notable for its peculiar blend of genres, including fantasy, horror, and romance, while maintaining a dark comedy undertone. Directed by Stephen W. Martin, the movie comes to life with the excellent performances of Don McCorkindale, Valin Shinyei, and Dalila Bela.

At the heart of this 17-minute movie is a bittersweet tale of love, death, and the resilience of the human spirit. The plot primarily revolves around Milton Mulberry, played by Valin Shinyei, a peculiar, introverted, and young mortician who possesses an array of unusual skills. Don McCorkindale portrays the eccentric and insightful Blind Love Seer who carefully observes and lends his wisdom throughout the narrative. Dalila Bela shines in her role as Lola Littleton, a martial arts enthusiast who becomes the object of Milton's adoration.

The story begins in an eerie and quirky town where death is not seen as an end but a part of life. The young mortician Milton’s world is filled with the macabre and the mundane with gothic thematic elements. Despite the somber overtone of his profession, he’s exposed to a loving, albeit offbeat, corner of human experiences. His unique upbringing includes lessons in the family mortuary business, wild taxidermy adventures, and the nurturing of a gifted education that includes languages both human and nonhuman.

All the elements of Milton's life prepare him for his journey to understand love when he first encounters Lola Littleton. Lola, a vibrant and bold girl with her unique area of interest in martial arts, mirrors Milton's uniqueness. The narrative unfolds with the pair traversing to explore love with their unusual sets of hobbies and interests against a backdrop beautifully adorned with elements of fantasy and supernatural undertones. They venture on a slightly twisted, youthful journey about coming-of-age, love, connection, and courageous acts.

Don McCorkindale’s Blind Love Seer provides a captivating narrative push and mysteriously insightful advice. This sagacious and sometimes cryptic elder provides both the characters and audience with pertinent pearls of wisdom with his palpable storytelling technique. He delicately guides Milton through the high and low ebbs of his relationship with Lola, sharing valuable wisdom on love, life, and resilience.

Stephen W. Martin's direction and the casts' performances combine to deliver a captivating tale that leaves an impact despite its short running time. The film is highly distinctive, marked by its beautifully crafted storytelling that blends elements from diverse genres. It is conspiringly gorgeous and defiantly morbid, turning traditional fairy tale conventions on their head.

The movie's visual and technical merit deserves a hearty mention. The filmmakers created an extraordinary setting, rich in flamboyant artistry, bringing to life a village straight out of a fable. The landscapes, textures, and overall aesthetic suture the ambience of the narrative, making it a visual treat. The makeup, costumes, and set design further enhance the storytelling, precisely capturing the characters' eccentricity and the tone of the narrative.

The movie's narrative and thematic concepts range across many spectrums breadth - balancing dark humor with a deep understanding of human emotions. The film speaks volumes about acceptance notably, accepting one's pattern of behavior and lifestyle that others may perceive as odd or unconventional. Through well-sculpted characters, it emphasizes the beauty of being different, the strength of the human spirit, and the depth of emotions. At its core, Dead Hearts is a profound exploration of love, loss, and acceptance, making audiences question what it genuinely means to be ‘alive’.

In conclusion, Dead Hearts manages to pack a punch. This short film isn't merely about the contrasting worlds of its eccentric characters but about their sensitive, emotional journeies. Straining the leash of conventional storytelling, it unfurls in strange and beautiful ways to charm the audience. Entertaining and touching, Dead Hearts takes viewers on a unique, untraditional journey of love and self-acceptance. It is an intriguing blend of fantasy, humor, and heartfelt emotion, sure to appeal to viewers who appreciate unconventional love stories. Dead Hearts, with its independent spirit and quirkiness, is indeed a gem in the world of short films.