The definition of a “dry dock” is a place where a ship can be constructed or repaired.
That title may not make immediate sense in this beautifully shot and tightly edited short film that follows an odd reunion of two best friends, Steve (Stephen Twardokus) and Vince (Vincent Maggio). They meet at a marina – which should definitely have a dry dock – and we quickly find out that the two were much more than just friends.
However, Vince has a wife, Jen (Jen Oda), who is anxiously waiting at home for him. The scene is set for the audience to eagerly guess what the reaction will be when Jen finds out that her husband is bisexual and how she’ll treat his former flame.
Writer/director Brian To keeps the tension up in this involving short that slickly blends mystery and intrigue with some interesting water imagery that only heightens sensuality and expectations. Co-writer and lead Stephen Twardokus has a marvelously expressive face but he has perhaps selfishly written his part to be the fullest. Jen Oda’s character surprises the audience with her reactions, and unfortunately Vince, as the narcissistic boar, has the thinnest, least interesting character.
There’s a tiny plot device that breaks the spell of the story, but it is Twardokus’ performance that rescues the ending.
CLICK HERE for the official “Dry Dock” film website.