A slow-burn, stylised and poetic story of one man’s rising dread as he checks into a reception area that’s steeped in obscurity.
The film revolves around the topic of ‘Smiling Depression’ a term which describes someone who is living with depression on the inside. However they appear perfectly happy or content on the outside. This is short film only a few minutes in length and the aim is to bring awareness to this subject. This is an issue that is hidden well within today’s society and we are hoping to bring it to the forefront. Providing a glimpse into the condition, and the film having a lasting significance on those who view it.
‘Smiling depression’ is a term doctors use to describe when a person masks their depression behind a smile. Someone with “smiling depression” looks happy on the outside when in reality, they may be struggling with feelings of internal hopelessness and sadness. A typical depressive symptom is having incredibly low energy and finding it hard to even make it out of bed in the morning. During smiling depression, energy levels may not be affected (except when a person is alone).
Because of this, the risk of suicide may be higher. People with high levels of depression sometimes have suicidal thoughts, but many don’t have the energy to act on these thoughts. But someone with “smiling depression” could have the energy and motivation to carry out the actions of the thoughts they are having.
As upbeat music plays, we see a suitcase being wheeled along the floor by Steven who walks with a spring in his step. Entering a smart building, it seems that the happy-go-lucky Steven has arrived in a hotel for a vacation. Moving through the room, Steven brushes past a plant that slowly closes in on itself before Steven finds a reception empty.
Still smiling, he glanced around his surroundings and sees a pendulum clock on a wall that sways back and forth. The hands are subtly set to a ‘sad face’ of four and eight. Steven casually processes his surroundings. Taking a seat, Steven notices that his phone is almost out of battery and the upbeat music, that’s been playing in his headphones is about to becut off. As he removes his headphones, the loud ticking clock suddenly become audible to him. Steven jumps as the receptionist returns to their post and asks how they can help. When Steven states he’s here to check-in and is staying for two weeks, the receptionist assures him that his room will be ready very shortly. Steven then notes a fish tank with a small sinking boat and a leaking aircon that drips. The dripping of the aircon and the ticking of the clock start to give the impression of an oppressive environment for the audience. As his discomfort grows, Steven picks up his suitcase and makes to leave, telling the receptionist that he doesn’t want to be hereanymore.
Heading for the exit, Steven jumps when an electronic buzzer sounds. The sudden noise causes Steven to drop a bottle of pills that roll slowly across the floor. As Steven fumbles for the pills, we see a nurse who addresses him by name. We realise in this moment that Steven is checking himself into a psychiatric facility. Picking up his pills, we see that Steven has wounds to his wrist from self- harm.
Steven is struck by the wounds and what he’s done to himself. With the nurse beckoning him through the double doors, Steven hesitates. He takes a breath. Faced by the cuts on his wrist, Steven knows he cannot return to his old life. He’s come this far and must overcome the fear and oppression in his mind in order to seek help.
As Steven bravely takes a step towards the nurse, we focus on the plant again near the entrance. The leaves slowly open back up…
As upbeat music plays, we see a suitcase being wheeled along the floor by Steven who walks with a spring in his step. Entering a smart building, it seems that the happy-go-lucky Steven has arrived in a hotel for a vacation. Moving through the room, Steven brushes past a plant that slowly closes in on itself before Steven finds a reception empty.
Still smiling, he glanced around his surroundings and sees a pendulum clock on a wall that sways back and forth. The hands are subtly set to a ‘sad face’ of four and eight. Steven casually processes his surroundings. Taking a seat, Steven notices that his phone is almost out of battery and the upbeat music, that’s been playing in his headphones is about to becut off. As he removes his headphones, the loud ticking clock suddenly become audible to him. Steven jumps as the receptionist returns to their post and asks how they can help. When Steven states he’s here to check-in and is staying for two weeks, the receptionist assures him that his room will be ready very shortly. Steven then notes a fish tank with a small sinking boat and a leaking aircon that drips. The dripping of the aircon and the ticking of the clock start to give the impression of an oppressive environment for the audience.
As his discomfort grows, Steven picks up his suitcase and makes to leave, telling the receptionist that he doesn’t want to be here anymore. Heading for the exit, Steven jumps when an electronic buzzer sounds. The sudden noise causes Steven to drop a bottle of pills that roll slowly across the floor. As Steven fumbles for the pills, we see a nurse who addresses him by name. We realise in this moment that Steven is checking himself into a psychiatric facility. Picking up his pills, we see that Steven has wounds to his wrist from self- harm.
Steven is struck by the wounds and what he’s done to himself. With the nurse beckoning him through the double doors, Steven hesitates. He takes a breath. Faced by the cuts on his wrist, Steven knows he cannot return to his old life. He’s come this far and must overcome the fear and oppression in his mind in order to seek help. As Steven bravely takes a step towards the nurse, we focus on the plant again near the entrance. The leaves slowly open back up…
As upbeat music plays, we see a suitcase being wheeled along the floor by Steven who walks with a spring in his step. Entering a smart building, it seems that the happy-go-lucky Steven has arrived in a hotel for a vacation. Moving through the room, Steven brushes past a plant that slowly closes in on itself before Steven finds a reception empty.
Still smiling, he glanced around his surroundings and sees a pendulum clock on a wall that sways back and forth. The hands are subtly set to a ‘sad face’ of four and eight. Steven casually processes his surroundings. Taking a seat, Steven notices that his phone is almost out of battery and the upbeat music, that’s been playing in his headphones is about to becut off. As he removes his headphones, the loud ticking clock suddenly become audible to him. Steven jumps as the receptionist returns to their post and asks how they can help. When Steven states he’s here to check-in and is staying for two weeks, the receptionist assures him that his room will be ready very shortly. Steven then notes a fish tank with a small sinking boat and a leaking aircon that drips.
The dripping of the aircon and the ticking of the clock start to give the impression of an oppressive environment for the audience. As his discomfort grows, Steven picks up his suitcase and makes to leave, telling the receptionist that he doesn’t want to be here anymore. Heading for the exit, Steven jumps when an electronic buzzer sounds. The sudden noise causes Steven to drop a bottle of pills that roll slowly across the floor. As Steven fumbles for the pills, we see a nurse who addresses him by name. We realise in this moment that Steven is checking himself into a psychiatric facility. Picking up his pills, we see that Steven has wounds to his wrist from self- harm.
Steven is struck by the wounds and what he’s done to himself. With the nurse beckoning him through the double doors, Steven hesitates. He takes a breath. Faced by the cuts on his wrist, Steven knows he cannot return to his old life. He’s come this far and must overcome the fear and oppression in his mind in order to seek help. As Steven bravely takes a step towards the nurse, we focus on the plant again near the entrance. The leaves slowly open back up…
At first, we’ll show the man as being happy, smiling, upbeat… seeming perfectly normal. Then gradually reveals that he is clearly suffering from depression. This is common behaviour for people with severe depression, to seem ‘normal’ and happy on the surface. So when we first meet him, he appears happy.
Then we build the intrigue as to where he is and why he’s here in this building — is it a hotel? is it health spa? or is he here for some other reason? the mystery starts to build. Then, the sound of the buzzing door, it can be quite a jolting sound. The man’s mask slips and we see some of his genuine emotion of how he actually feels. We then realise what’s going on — he’s here to be sectioned and he goes inside to begin his treatment.
With the research, people can voluntarily section themselves into hospital after being referred by their psychiatrist. So it makes sense that he’d arrive alone. You also check-in at a reception and give your name. If he’s been referred by his psychiatrist, they’d be expecting him too. So again, this makes sense.
In today’s world of chaos and a stressful life dealing with situations alone with no family, friends or financial support makes people vulnerable to developing depression. It is a worldwide major public health problem and “Smiling depression” people wear masks to prevent the inner turmoil and the need to overcome it. Mostly, this affects the middle-aged cohort-the working force for any nation.
At first, we’ll show the man as being happy, smiling, upbeat… seeming perfectly normal. Then gradually reveals that he is clearly suffering from depression. This is common behaviour for people with severe depression, to seem ‘normal’ and happy on the surface. So when we first meet him, he appears happy.
Then we build the intrigue as to where he is and why he’s here in this building — is it a hotel? is it health spa? or is he here for some other reason? the mystery starts to build. Then, the sound of the buzzing door, it can be quite a jolting sound. The man’s mask slips and we see some of his genuine emotion of how he actually feels. We then realise what’s going on — he’s here to be sectioned and he goes inside to begin his treatment.
With the research, people can voluntarily section themselves into hospital after being referred by their psychiatrist. So it makes sense that he’d arrive alone. You also check-in at a reception and give your name. If he’s been referred by his psychiatrist, they’d be expecting him too. So again, this makes sense.
In today’s world of chaos and a stressful life dealing with situations alone with no family, friends or financial support makes people vulnerable to developing depression. It is a worldwide major public health problem and “Smiling depression” people wear masks to prevent the inner turmoil and the need to overcome it. Mostly, this affects the middle-aged cohort-the working force for any nation.
Director / Story-teller
Writer & researcher
Director of Photography
Raj Randhawa (film director) a London based producer, director, and storyteller. With cinematic film being just one of his many creative expressions. Raj Randhawa has won many accolades for his work including the Best Music Video Director Award and the Best Debut Film Director Award. Raj’s undying passion for filmmaking with years of experience in the industry has helped him master the art of capturing raw emotion on screen. He translates his creative vision into reality with storytelling as its foundation stone. As a storyteller, he has an eye for creating the most engaging narratives with the aim to leave a mark on his audience expressing deep emotion and continuous suspense.
Raj is never daunted by his own abilities as a filmmaker. His understanding of world cultures, cinema and music helps him to develop many different genres. His own subject and story is enriched by his love for travel and best selling books about film and music. Continually fuelling his ability to create top chart productions time after time. But more than anything, what drives Raj Randhawa to be in a film studio with a crew and his creative vision. To weave magic on screen is simply his lasting love for film-making and heartfelt story-telling.
Philip Wright (Screen Writer) from Liverpool, England with over 900 film and television credits to date. After graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University with an MA in Television Screenwriting, Philip worked in television drama for channels including BBC1, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and RTE. Philip currently has several screenwriting projects in active development, including two feature films, and is a regular writer for BBC drama. Alongside his own writing, Philip mentors new writing talent through Glasgow Caledonian University and reads new work for BBC Writer’s Room. Philip is a passionate storyteller who is inspired by character-driven stories told in innovative ways.
Yana was born and brought up in St. Petersburg in Russia. It’s rich cultural past, it’s musicians, writers, painters, architects gave her a brilliant opportunity to absorb art and source inspiration from a very early age. She studied fine art at the State University of St. Petersburg, then cinematography at FAMU, Prague and at the Northern Film School, Leeds. After graduation Yana stayed in the UK and developed her career there. She shot 11 feature films, multiple artistic shorts, music videos and commercials for brands including Adidas, Arsenal, Disney and Samsung. At the moment Yana lives between London and St. Petersburg and works as a DOP around the world.
Cannes Film Festival
Venice Film Festival
Berlin International Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival
Sundance Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival
Leeds International Film Festival
Raindance Film Festival
London Short Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Mood
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