Reverse Darwinism Short Film Review

Score: 8/10

Directed by: Dermot Daly, Ivan Mack

Written by: Kathryn Hanke, Dermot Daly, Ivan Mack

Starring: Kathryn Hanke

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“Madness or genius?” is what the film asks. I'd argue the two aren't mutually exclusive, and it's probably both. Having said that, I'd subscribe to Professor Vanessa’s podcast in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what that says about me. Although if I'm honest, I do have serious doubts about her credentials.

Professor Vanessa, star of Chocolate Bears’ latest production, Reverse Darwinism, would fast become an internet sensation if this were a webcast. Sitting alone in her basement after a “particularly bad breakup," she records a taster of her subscription-based cultural takedown show. And while I suspect she's full of vitriol and hatred for just about everyone, it’s coffee shop patrons who feel the sting of her barbed tongue this time around.

Kathryn Hanke gives a powerhouse performance in the lead role of this short film, which runs barely longer than 4-minutes. Her delivery of the professor’s sharp and scathing criticisms on modern life is impeccable and delightfully unhinged. And honestly, It's worrying how much I found myself agreeing with the things she said.

The film is framed really nicely, but there isn't much else to talk about in terms of the cinematography or soundtrack. As there isn't much of a soundtrack to speak of, and the film is shot from a single stationary camera. This isn't a criticism; it's simply what the movie demands, and it works well.

Natural deselection is its scientific name. “Stupid is, as stupid does,” is what the professor calls it. It's when a particular species begins behaving in a way that actively endangers itself. And if you've spent any length of time on YouTube, you've likely seen videos which would fall under this category. Now, as unscientific as the professor seems, it's hard not to think she's onto something. I mean, she's clearly not a professor––but that doesn't mean she isn't right.

Reverse Darwinism is a wonderful and humorous examination of modern culture. It highlights and ridicules some of our more absurd foibles in a way which is as candid as it is entertaining. Dermot Daly and Ivan Mack seem to be making quite the name for themselves with these short one character movies. Their previous film, Excursion to the Mountains, was one of my favourite short films of the last year, and Reverse Darwinism hasn’t disappointed either. I very much look forward to seeing more work from this incredibly talented team of directors, writers and actors in the future.

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