This short hooked me because Rilla’s imagination is big, but the care around her is practical and real. I wanted to know where she was going, and I also wanted to see what her older brother would do when she disappeared.
Rilla is looking for Sidney Poitier
Set in 1967, the film follows nine-year-old Rilla, who is convinced that Sidney Poitier is her father. After finding a newspaper article and learning that To Sir, With Love is screening in London, she runs off hoping to meet him. The theater is showing the movie; Poitier himself is not there.
Her brother’s care becomes the heart of it
At first, Nick can seem frustrated by Rilla’s imagination and the trouble she causes. Then the film lets his actions speak: he gets her ready, meets her after school, worries when she is gone and goes out to find her. He may not be the father she imagines, but he is already doing the steady work of caring for her.
A short that leaves room for more
The film is brief, sweet and easy to connect with. Rilla’s search gives it a playful engine, while Nick’s worry gives it emotional weight. I left wanting to know her better. I would gladly watch this story grow into a feature.
Final verdict
4.5 / 5 • Almost a Whole Coffee PotA sweet, absorbing short that made me want to spend more time with Rilla and Nick.