Each of us has done it at least once in a lifetime, writes Lukáš Vaněček, but no one wants to publicly admit it.
We’re talking about observing the lives of people through a window. And that’s precisely what the Oscar-winning short film The Neighbors’ Window is all about.
The plot unfolds in the heart of New York, where a married couple struggles with domestic chaos. Much like their apartment, inundated with children’s toys and echoing with cries and tears, their relationship also suffers from the loss of that essential spark. They eagerly seek it in their neighbours, who, through the window, exhibit love, merriment, and the enjoyment of life.
The main characters – thirtysomethings navigating the challenges of parenthood and a
dwindling relationship – become regular watchers, reminiscing about their youthful years. Marshall Curry’s film prompts us to question whether everything is as it seems at first glance and presents a captivating perspective on the world through the lens of observation.
Despite its 20-minute length, the Neighbors’ Window doesn’t stand out for offering the viewer an unusual story, interesting characters, or a unique perspective on the world. Instead, it derives its strength from being incredibly realistic. Curry, serving as both writer and director, knows precisely what he wants to convey with his work. This is evidenced by the strong dialogue and the tone of the film, which shifts from humorously bizarre to emotionally devastating. The restrained and unremarkable acting of the central duo, Maria Dizzia and Bret Lada, forms the essence of why the audience can easily identify with them.
In simplicity is beauty, and that holds true for the form the creators chose to employ. A
straightforward camera, long shots interrupted by simple cuts, and an almost absent musical
background.
There are cases where filmmakers don’t need an hour-long runtime with a convoluted plot, striving to squeeze tears from the audience at any cost, just to convey a certain message. It suffices to tell the story of ordinary people in an ordinary apartment with ordinary concerns. It is one of the reasons, why this short film works on all its fronts. And if its simplicity doesn’t captivate someone, it will, at the very least, remind them to be grateful for what they have. Just as the fact that the grass isn’t greener where we don’t have it, but where we water it.
