This is installment #12 of Shadow And Act’s #ShortFilmShoutout series.

When it comes to toxic relationships, many of us aren’t quick to acknowledge that our parents may be toxic. This is why it is always an aid to have that one best friend who functions as a breath of fresh air. The short film Shoulders perfectly encapsulates this feeling.

Written and directed by Chanel Dupree, Shoulders follows Monica (Mahlaney Wilson), a 21-year old woman battling a toxic relationship with her mother. The film opens up with a scene depicting Monica being verbally assaulted by her mother (Samantha Lorient). From there, Monica leaves the house and seeks solace and uplifting in the only place she can find it: her best friend Jade (Tanya Maria).

Jade invites Monica over to her apartment, where they spend their time on her Brooklyn rooftop dancing to music and being each other’s listening ear to the minutiae of issues enveloping their daily lives.

It’s worth noting that Dupree, a graduate of Medgar Evers College, has a background in spoken word poetry. This is extremely evident in Monica’s heartbreaking dialogue when she reveals to Jade the moment she stood up for herself and engaged in her first physical altercation. This particular moment in Shoulders is both a showcase of Dupree’s writing and Wilson’s acting prowess.

Shot and edited by Kearah-Armonie, Shoulders showcases the uplifting power of Black woman, as well as how the families who raise us don’t necessarily uplift us.

Watch Shoulders below:

READ MORE:

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#ShortFilmShoutout: Black Girl Magic Meets Period Piece Mystery In ‘Beauty’

#ShortFilmShoutout: The Animated Film ‘Felix’ Is A Sweet Tearjerker

#ShortFilmShoutout: ‘The Dispute’ Is ‘B.A.P.S.’ Meets ‘Atlanta,’ With A Focus On Friendship And Laid Edges

#ShortFilmShoutout: ‘Malcolm’ Imagines What Malcolm X Would Say About 21st Century Racism

#ShortFilmShoutout: Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo’s ‘Bariga Sugar’ Follows An 8-Year-Old In Lagos

Black Filmmakers, Submit Your Film To #ShortFilmShoutout

Photo: Aurore TV

Shoulders

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