Near Wild Heaven (2019)

Bringing an unsuspected but familiar hell to the forefront, Near Wild Heaven offers an undiluted look at the bitter byproduct that death often foments: family drama and toxicity. Making the most of the allotted runtime of just over 11 minutes, this heavy hitting short packs a punch. Co-written by Dom Old and producer-director Dan Thorburn, Near Wild Heaven bears the dark, troublesome experience of an ill-stricken teenager that seeks her estranged father to help her scatter the ashes of her recently deceased mother. Though it delivers in nearly every way, it is carried by script, cinematography, and moving performances.

Opening in the midst of a downpour, the film begins with underaged Aubrey (Maddie Wakeling), sporting oxygen tubes in her nostrils, walking towards a local joint in search of her estranged father, Doug (Gareth George), a 40-year-old, van-dwelling musician intent on masquerading as a rock star, everything else be damned. Although she is underage, Aubrey barges in against the wishes of security, and quickly locates Doug performing on stage and informs him of the untimely passing of her mother.

Upon learning the tragic news, Doug abruptly stops playing his instrument, and lends Aubrey his full attention off-stage. Without delving into the details surrounding her mothers death, she again reiterated that her mother is dead to a seemingly indifferent Doug, who is soon hit with a heavy dose of reality once she pulls an urn from her bag. Citing her poor health, Aubrey pleads with Doug to help her scatter the ashes, and is insistent that he would know where to scatter them, per the assurances of her late mother.

Despite an utterly pathetic attempt to weasel out of responsibility to his daughter once again, Doug reluctantly agrees to help Aubrey with her difficult undertaking once she mentions that she has £200. They grab their bags and head for Doug’s van, which also doubles as his living quarters, but not before Doug sneaks a flyer for a band competition in Aberdeen on the way out, revealing an ulterior motive for helping Aubrey.

With their route mapped, the father/daughter duo set out on a road trip that offers the pair an opportunity to mourn, heal, and reconcile. Initially, all seems to be going well, with Doug and Aubrey appearing to bond. However, this is short lived as Aubrey unintentionally uncovers Doug’s true motivation, leading to hard truths that round out an emotional finish.

Near Wild Heaven is excellent from the outset with a productive script that doesn’t beat around the bush. It systematically tells a story of a strained and toxic relationship that is brought together due to the most unfortunate of circumstances, makes the essence of each character immediately known, and doesn’t rely on unnecessary dialogue for filler.

The overall cinematography (by Max Graham) is really something to write home about, too. It sets a fitting melancholic ambience that captures the strain and desperations of the characters, and greatly amplifies the overall emotional tone of the film. Furthermore, the scenic aerial shots are breathtakingly beautiful and add a bit of polish.

But it is the acting that truly makes the film special. Maddie Wakeling and Gareth George both turn in persuasive performances that communicate raw emotion that will leave you feeling blue. The chemistry between the two is natural and uneasy, adding a swath of tension to their on-screen relationship and further exposes it for the intricate mess it truly is. There was one particular scene in the film where Aubrey melts that literally left me with goosebumps, which speaks volumes about the ability of Ms. Wakeling.

Come to think of it, certain aspects of this short are reminiscent of Neil Jordan’s Byzantium. I’m hesitant to even draw these parallels even if they aren’t direct, but the overall tone of the film, scenery, and complexity radiate a similar vibe.

Near Wild Heaven is a complicated film that goes well beyond the surface for material and it results in a watch that is difficult and necessary. If you’re in the mood for something that will hit you right in the feels, look no further.

My score: 9/10.