MOVIE REVIEW
Sally, Get the Potatoes
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 16m
Director(s): Danicah Waldo
Writer(s): Danicah Waldo
Cast: Kynlee Heiman, Quinn Hemphill, Clark Carmichael, Travis Doughty, Charlie Ferrara, Bohdana Madlova, Amanda Ferguson
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Dances With Films

RAVING REVIEW: In a uniquely disturbing, isolated, yet somewhat welcoming household, young Sally (Kynlee Heiman) sets out on a seemingly simple errand that morphs into a significant exploration of life's more profound truths. SALLY, GET THE POTATOES elegantly weaves a narrative that transforms a brief 16-minute runtime into a riveting exploration of growing up. The film's narrative captures the tender yet tumultuous journey from innocence to a matured understanding of the world around us, making every minute count.

Initially tasked with retrieving potatoes for the holiday dinner, Sally ends up on a revealing journey that will forever change her understanding of the world around her. This exploration of childhood curiosity becomes her gateway to her family members' hidden struggles and emotional turmoil. As she secretively moves from room to room, the once-familiar walls of her home unfold tales of despair and resilience, teaching her lessons that strip away her youthful naiveté.

At the helm of this cinematic ship is Danicah Waldo, whose expertise in children's storytelling and her innovative work at LIT Videobooks provide a robust directorial vision. Waldo expertly balances the narrative between childhood's light-heartedness and adulthood's stark realities, ensuring the film's impact resonates well beyond its short duration.

Heiman's portrayal of Sally is as deep as it is poignant. Her transformation from an unaware child (not by her choice) into a knowing guardian of her family's secrets is executed with an unexpected and profoundly moving depth. Heiman’s portrayal is the film's emotional core, beautifully rendering the bittersweet farewell to her childhood innocence. Often, with little to no dialogue, she shows her remarkable journey primarily through her expressions.

Waldo’s direction takes a nuanced approach to visual storytelling, using close-ups and intimate camera angles to bring us closer to Sally’s world. Each frame is thoughtfully composed to contrast the innocence of Sally’s perspective with the hidden truths of adult life she uncovers. Using the house as a symbolic labyrinth where each room reveals another piece of the puzzle adds layers to the narrative, effectively using the home as a character in its own right. This meticulous attention to detail enriches the experience and deepens the emotional impact of Sally’s discoveries. By focusing on these subtle yet powerful elements, Waldo ensures that the film communicates more than just the dialogue and actions of its characters—it invites the audience to feel the weight of Sally’s revelations as their own.

SALLY, GET THE POTATOES does more than uncover family secrets—it explores how these secrets shape our transition from childhood to adulthood. The film is not just about the loss of innocence; it’s an insightful look at the rites of passage into adult understanding, guided by Waldo’s astute direction and Heiman’s influential acting.

The film promises to captivate audiences with a compelling story and a transformative experience. It invites viewers to reflect on their journeys, from youth's simple joys to adulthood's complex realities. SALLY, GET THE POTATOES is a pivotal film for those who appreciate storytelling that connects deeply with human emotions and experiences.

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[photo courtesy of YELLOW CHAIR FILMS]

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