Guilt introduces the viewer to the hellish experiences of a woman who finds herself unable to sleep, constantly being plagued by recurrent nightmares. As a man called Dev seems to hold bewildering and disorienting exchanges with her in them, a discussion of the same with her doctor takes the audience deeper into her world. In the process, questions of right and wrong, the fluidity of truth, and importance of perception in deciphering events around us are portrayed. The story continues to move forward, and just when one might think a resolution has been achieved, an unexpected development awaits the audience. 

The approach of the narrative is marked by a subjective and philosophical musing regarding the topic of hypnosis and the many complexities of the human mind, instead of an empirical or objective one. As the title suggests, there is further the attempt to explore repression and denial of different kinds. The storytelling also attempts to bleed dreams into reality, using special effects and sound, to familiarize the viewer with its world. 

The end result is sincere and dedicated, even though not entirely smooth. It is indeed the narratorial development which becomes relatively the most notable strength of the film. Additionally, the desire to share its story is evident enough to overcome the few other weaknesses in the progression of events that might make themselves known within the film otherwise.

Guilt | Short Film Nominee

The narrative employs distinct elements to create an atmosphere of suspense and thrill. It opens with a visual whose significance is ascertained only by the climax and the eventual conclusion of the film. The story is of a single mother and her daughter's birthday. As she busies herself baking a cake for her, a visitor arrives, unexpectedly for the viewer, but can the same be said for the protagonist? It develops to unravel the secrets for the benefit of its audience and perhaps, manages to catch their attention too in the process. However, despite the potential in the story, the film would have benefited with a more gradual ending, one that would have allowed it a pace to build and come into itself organically.

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