(Short film review): SAVING CHRIS; The Case of Drug Addicts And The Love They need.

Drug addiction is a canker that has bedeviled most communities around the world rendering most youth useless. Brilliant and prospective minds end up not fulfilling their dreams when the icy hands of drug addiction grab them. The campaign to end drug addiction and show some love and help to drug addicts cannot be over emphasized.

It is in light of this that director/producer Eddie Nartey in his short film “Saving Chris” masterfully drummed home the idea of showing love and being there for drug addicts. The short film centered on the vulnerabilities associated with drug addiction and how you can end up losing everything dear to you if the addiction is not checked. Though there are several films centered around this plot, the manner in which Eddie Nartey used a non-linear story telling style to execute his point makes “Saving Chris” compelling to watch.

Chris (played by Umar Krupp) in the opening scenes of the film, in a rehabilitation center, narrates his ordeal to some staff and other drug addicts who are seeking help. In a documentary movie style, Chris takes us through some of the decisions he had to make as a result of the drug addiction. This is not just a film; it is portraying what actually happens among the youth in the ‘ghettos’ of Accra. Chris finally comes into contact with Andrea (played by Issabela Agbo) who took it upon herself to help him through his addiction after she found out.

The story though compelling, has some few flaws with script writing. Few minutes into the film Chris said “when I was 19” as he narrates his ordeal; a few seconds later, he again said “at age 19” as he recounts his drug addiction. Any pro script writer will find a way to make the story flow than repeating the age. There are some continuity issues in there as well.

Chris’ performance is convincing, he is expressive and energetic in delivering his dialogue, which makes the character likable. Andrea on the other hand, did not put in more energy as her lines deserved. It is obvious she is a rookie in the acting space. She will turn out to be a renowned actress with a little determination and hard-work. A point worth noting is when Andrea comes in, to find Chris on the flow overdosed with drugs. Her demeanor, and facial expression upon opening the door suggests that she already knows what has happened to Chris. I can’t just forget the scene where Chris placed the string on his arm pretending to be administering the drug. It can be seen that the needle has no contact with his skin.

The accident scene could also make use of a little upgrade. Chris’ car smashed into a second car, yet when Chris moves from his car to the second car, the side of the crash is perfectly intact. This can be likened to Vin Diesel being smashed through a wall in a fast and furious movie and he gets up without any injury. I know it is expensive to crash a car for real in movies in a film industry that is dying, but at least make it a little convincing. Also, the special effects team could have made some cuts visible on the face and body of Andrea as a result of the accident. Worth noting also, is where there is no single trace of blood on the white shorts of Andrea. It is possible though.

The cinematography coupled with the sound score made the film a delight to watch. The story could have also taken us back a little to a point in Chris’s life that broke him completely forcing him to choose that path. But, hey, this is a short film, you can’t put in all the subplots.

All in all, the plot of the story is compelling and it will contribute to the campaign of dealing with drug addiction.