Finding some of the best films as a movie enthusiast is a wonderful experience, especially when it’s a short film with an original plot and sensibilities. In just three minutes, “The Little Thief” by Nicole Vanden Broeck transports us to a surrealistic world reminiscent of our childhood, where innocence and curiosity rule supreme.
The film’s early 1950s European market setting, paired with the director’s carefully picked cast, creates the ideal setting for a heartwarming story of a 6-year-old boy and his mother on a typical shopping trip. As they walk around the market, the boy becomes interested in a sack of beans and starts playing with the seeds.
However, the old shopkeeper notices the boy’s playfulness and so takes the bag away with a glance. Later, the boy steals a single seed from the bag, and goes unnoticed. A night of remorse, however, weighs hard on his youthful conscience, prompting him to doubt his actions.
The uniqueness and appeal of the film “The Little Thief” lie in its focus on the essence of childhood innocence and curiosity. In a sense, the story and its character remind us how the little things used to bring us immense joy, and how a simple mistake could result in overwhelming feelings of guilt.
Without any dialogues, Kue Lawrence as the young boy delivers a beautiful performance that is sincere and authentic. Those look and mannerism of a young innocent kid are is what much needed in the story. In just a few minutes, the film manages to convey a message that is universal while leaving a lasting impression on the viewers.
Watch the short film “The Little Thief” here on Vimeo
Title: The Little Thief (2021)
Directed by Nicole Vanden Broeck
Written by András Roder
Starring: Kue Lawrence, Nell Geisslinger, Michael Maino
Produced by Jervis Li
Cinematography by András Roder
Production Design by Astrid Anderson
Edited by Benjamin Tolentino
Language: No dialogue
Run time: 3 minutes
