I See Red

Directed by Jack Wiley

Warning – This review contains spoilers.

I See Red tells the story of Luke and Aubrey, an engaged couple who invite friends over for dinner to celebrate their engagement. What starts as a normal evening quickly shifts when Luke begins to confront the emotional abuse he’s been experiencing. Watching the tension between them build, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of Luke’s frustration as it all finally boils over. The film does an excellent job of showcasing the emotional toll that toxic relationships can take, and I found myself drawn into the escalating conflict as Luke’s feelings of inadequacy lead to a powerful, climactic moment of self-discovery.

James Sterling Barton’s portrayal of Luke really resonated with me—his raw emotion during the final outburst felt authentic and intense. Rebecca Dalanhese, as Aubrey, brought a cold and manipulative energy to her role though at times her performance felt a bit exaggerated. That being said I could still feel the chemistry between the two leads  and it kept the emotional stakes high throughout the film. The story did a great job building the tension and while I expected the explosion the intensity of it still surprised me and hit hard.

Director Jack Wiley spoke about the collaborative effort that brought I See Red to life, emphasizing the importance of the talented crew he worked with. He mentioned that the film was created in a single night, and the tight timeline pushed everyone to give their best. Wiley’s passion for storytelling and the commitment of his team shine through, as the film reflects a unified vision, capturing a story that they were all eager to tell—sooner than they had imagined.

From a purely technical POV I thought the cinematography worked well in focusing on the characters’ facial expressions, especially during those pivotal, emotional moments. However, the sound was hit or miss for me. At times the dialogue was too quiet making it difficult to fully engage with the conversation, while other moments were loud and clear. The lack of music until the very end also left some scenes feeling a bit empty. That said, the final montage was satisfying and tied the emotional arc together nicely. I also appreciated the editing during Luke’s outburst, which really captured the chaos of the moment. I do think the dinner scene could have used more dynamic shots to build tension earlier, but overall, the film still kept me hooked.

I See Red explores the impact of emotional abuse and how unchecked feelings of inadequacy can fester over time. While there are some technical elements that could use refining, the film’s narrative is compelling, and the performances, particularly James Sterling Barton’s, kept me engaged throughout. I walked away from the film with a clear understanding of its message—there’s only so much someone can take before they break.

This short film powerfully highlights the struggles of asserting oneself in the face of emotional abuse. The film’s core theme of emotional turmoil struck a chord with me, and I think it will resonate with others too. It’s a raw, intense look at how emotional manipulation can push someone to the edge, and the final moments leave a lasting impact.