Midlands Review of Judas
midlandsmovies • June 15, 2020
Midlands Review of Judas
Midlands Review of Judas
Directed by Adam Palmer
2020
Writer and director Adam Palmer presents Judas, a short film about two young men who share a moment whilst playing a friendly game of basketball.
The familiar metallic sound of a basketball bouncing off the court floor is mixed with police sirens, children playing and a calm summer air. We are introduced to a young man (Nick Preston) shooting hoops on his own, aiming for the net and mostly missing resulting in a burst of anger seemingly directed at only himself.
Frustration is one of the biggest moods of Judas, as the film goes on, we accept the idea that the basketball court can be an escape for what is really troubling these men. Moments after this eruption another young man (Lawrence Walker) enters the fray, happy to participate in a friendly game of one on one. The atmosphere immediately changes with his introduction, the two are jovial, joking and not being overly competitive as the game heats up.
It is only when Preston’s character knocks down Walker’s Character during the game that we see the “moment” that shapes the film. Nothing much is said and physically not much happens other than an extended hand to help the other up, however the court they are playing on feels like it is going to blow. The second character (Walker) goes off to the side to answer his phone, an unwelcome call, as he fearfully threatens the caller to not say anything or he would be known as a “snitch”.
Preston’s build and physicality adds to the searing pressure within Judas, his seems to tower over his opponent although it is Walker’s character who powerfully has his opponent against the court fence as the game ends. That friendly, amiable atmosphere has disappeared as he corrects the first character for calling him mate, “I’m not your mate” he madly says.
I wasn’t entirely sure what the film was trying to say upon my first viewing, was it just two opponents on the basketball court who are programmed to not socialise with each other? Previous gang tension? Sexual tension for each other? Threats are made to keep the first characters mouth shut, to which he confidently retorts “and what? you gonna tell the boys?” knowing what has transpired will not make its way beyond the gates.
All these options seem viable under the direction of writer/director Adam Palmer, Judas felt like a short film that was inviting its audience to have their own interpretation of the subject matter and decide for themselves what that moment meant.
The cinematography by Aram Atkinson gives the film gravitas and a distinctive look, however coupled with the screen presence of Nick Preston and Lawrence Walker its hard to decide which is the biggest highlight of the film. If you’re in the mood for a great short film and a cast and crew to watch out for then Judas demands to be seen.
Guy Russell
Twitter @budguyer
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