Out of Orbit, directed by Jess Kay and Dann Emmons, is a touching short film about Esme, a little girl attempting to cope with her mother’s tragic loss. As her father remains paralyzed by his sadness, Esme is left to deal with her pain. Driven by a shared love of space with her mother, Esme starts on a project that provides her with solace and a sense of connection in her grief.
Out of Orbit – Movie Synopsis
After her mother’s death, Esme’s world feels lonely and gloomy. Her father, unable to overcome his sadness, is emotionally absent, allowing Esme to manage her emotions on her own. The story progresses in a gentle, delicate manner, depicting Esme’s attempt to reconnect with her mother through a common love of space. As she rediscovers her love, she returns to a spaceship project they were working on together, enabling her imagination to soar in a moving search for comfort. The film beautifully depicts how the bond between a parent and child remains even in the depths of grief.
Where to Watch Out of Orbit?
Out of Orbit is available to stream online via Omeleto, a platform known for showcasing award-winning short films.
Movie Credits:
Directed by: Jess Kay, Dann Emmons
Written by: Jess Kay
Produced by: Jess Kay, Dann Emmons, Raghav Mukerji, Charlotte Hardick
Starring: Amira Macey-Michael
Awards: Best Micro-Budget Short & Best Production Design (2022), Best Directors at Unrestricted View Film Festival and Visibility Film Festival, Best Drama Directors at the London Director Awards, Best Cinematography & Best Editing at Feel The Reel 2022.
Out of Orbit – Short Film Review
Out of Orbit is a brilliantly created short film that carefully portrays the complex emotions of grief through the eyes of a child. The directors’ use of minimal dialogues and a calm musical score creates a moving atmosphere for Esme’s quiet struggle with loss.
Amira Macey-Michael provides a stunning performance as Esme, conveying her grief and longing with nuance and depth. The film’s careful images and patient pacing highlight the emotional void left by Esme’s mother, while eventually giving an optimistic message about love’s enduring power. This little drama is a wonderful example of resilience, imagination, and the enduring relationship between parent and kid.
Out of Orbit has gained critical acclaim at multiple film festivals, winning accolades for its director, production design, photography, and editing. It’s a must-see for everyone who enjoys passionate storytelling that goes into the complexity of human emotions.
