DRAGON'S BREATH | Omeleto

A teenager is embarrassed. Cass is embarrassed. The young teenager is about to perform in a talent show in front of her school community, but she's just sprouted dragon wings and doesn't want anyone to see or notice them. But Cass's friends -- Maya, El and K -- are supportive, comforting her and trying to assuage her doubts and fears. But they also have their own problems, many of which arise just as they must convince Cass to perform. Directed and written by Melanie Easton, this whimsical yet grounded short fantasy drama offers a fresh take on adolescent self-consciousness, capturing one girl's journey to overcome her insecurities and her sense of difference with the help of her friends, each of whom is dealing with their own issues. The emotional terrain is classic, and will appeal to anyone who loves coming-of-age or teen narratives around self-acceptance and identity. But the lightly held fantastical elements, a charming yet vulnerable emotional tenor and a matter-of-fact acceptance of diversity make for an engaging, contemporary experience. The visual world of the film is rendered with a textured naturalism, fitting to Cass's emotions and the ordinary, relatable modern world of the story. Her dilemma, though, is on the fantastical side -- she's growing wings. The fantasy elements -- which include one boy who recently grew hooves, and a friend whose father is a basilisk -- are handled with understatement, and add a charmingly whimsical element. But the feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness are universal to adolescence, a time of rapidly changing bodies, minds and hearts. Quick-paced and witty, the writing has a good ear for the way young teens talk, balancing snark, sarcasm and sincerity, focusing on Cass's dilemma as she refuses to perform, much to her friends' consternation. In their efforts to comfort and encourage Cass, Maya, El and K open up themselves, though they're dealing with their own issues coming to a head: an imperfect father, parents on the verge of divorce, romantic complications. Actor Tilly Carter as Cass leads an excellent ensemble, which includes actors Asha O'Connell, Sophia Park and Jay Hines, all of whom collectively possess the energy, playfulness and open honesty to play a group of friends coping with the travails of growing up -- but whose solidarity, kindness and friendship help one another to embrace who they are and take the stage. As Cass finds self-acceptance, she discovers her courage to be seen for who she is. And in their own ways, so do her friends. The end finds them moving together, their energy and fearlessness feeding one another and viewers, as well. It ends the emotionally resonant, charming DRAGON'S BREATH on a uniquely joyful note, reminding us we can always stand true in who we are, especially with the help of caring friends who love us as we are. DRAGON'S BREATH. Courtesy of Melanie Easton at https://melaniejeaston.com.