The Mulberry Bush (2016) Reviews

• It is what it leaves you with that makes it work (SPOILERS)

  bob the moo2016-12-11

  Two men sit near each other on benches in the part. Bill and Kip make small talk about what a great day it is, but soon it becomes clear that Kip knows at least something about Bill. Quickly the interaction becomes a much tenser one. Hard to talk about this short without spoilers, hence the tag. As we watch it becomes apparent that Bill has some history involving children, and as a result Kip is threatening him due to him speaking to his wife and son. There is nothing more behind this – perhaps Kip was just hanging out in a park many years ago and seemed "odd" in the way that men do when they are around children (my daughter started nursery and one of the direct staff is male, which is only notable for the fact that it gave me pause for no tangible reason). The lack of real information but palatable tension means that we are put into the scene too; so it is our assumptions in play as much as any information. Kip's accusations maybe have basis – but if they do then they are many years old and surely are forgiven? On the other hand, it is odd that a man would hang around a park and be friendly to child, right? Or not? It is a consistently topical subject matter, and having become a parent myself recently, I confess that the emotive element is stronger than ever, pushing logic to the side. This is where Kip is and then some, and it is to LaBute's credit that we can be in his shoes while also knowing that it is not right that we be there. The two actors are on very good form. Slezak has the non-threatening air to him that suits both visions of his character, while Kandel is intense but physically not that threatening, which is a good bit of casting. LaBute's best work in features may be some years ago, however he is still producing a lot worth seeing in other areas, as this short is proof of.