Alex Lawther, UK 2023

Outside of a bar in London, overlooking the water with the city in the background, two people fall in love. Set entirely in one location, FOR PEOPLE IN TROUBLE is a short film about how the relationship between two people ignites, changes, and reaches a breaking point against the backdrop of a crumbling world. The themes of this film are not particularly new–it’s a pretty typical romantic story complete with meet-cute, seven-year-itch, and will-they-won’t-they plotlines–but what makes it special is the way actor and filmmaker Alex Lawther, in his directorial debut, moves each scene seamlessly into the next. Executive produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck it stars Emma D’Arcy (HOURSE OF THE DRAGON) and Archie Madekwe (GRAND TOURISMO), whose chemistry is palpable right from the start. Their grounded performances, along with the cinematography, make this story engaging and undeniable in a way. The film strikes a tone that is both foreboding and comforting because we all can feel like we’re in trouble, but we can take solace in the fact that we aren’t alone. (KL)