‘Mirror’, the most recent microfilm from young award-winning Sara Eustaquio, is a beautiful and gripping depiction of duality, whatever its form. In the confined space of a bathroom, the protagonist, a young girl, insistently stares at her reflection in the mirror, and experiences a conflicting array of emotions, ranging from laughter to shock and desolation. The ending revelation also brings about a split in dimensions: that which is real and that which is hidden behind appearances.

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  The project excels both technically and artistically: the cinematography and direction are very much on point, and their main merit is the creation of an eerie, unnerving atmosphere which governs the entire occurrences taking place in the bathroom. The music is carefully picked: it never becomes intrusive, and constantly provides added-value, situating itself in perfect rapport with the action. This is further punctuated by the sound mixing and the editing as well - quick alternations between shots of the girl happily laughing and sequences which portray her anguish and desperation, with her soaked hair covering her makeup-smeared face. An unfocused shot slowly clarifies, revealing one last vital piece of information before the credits role – all done with remarkable taste and subtlety.

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  As mentioned before, the main theme of ‘Mirror’ could be duality. Depending on the plot’s interpretation, however, this could either be related to the manner in which the girl showcases her inner thoughts and feelings – she looks happy outside but is distraught inside – or the conflicting mind over the decisive action she has just undertaken – slinging from the relief emanating from ensuing freedom to dread over the act’s finality, and the fear of unknown.

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  Through ‘Mirror’, Sara Eustaquio has created two dense and thoughtful minutes of storytelling, with an overarching message that can be freely generalized and interpreted. This is a wonderful piece of filmmaking that is sure to receive the acclaim it deserves.