Finding a convincing lie is half the battle of friendship.
Writer/director Runyararo Mapfumo explores one of the scariest situations a person can be placed in with her short film Masterpiece. Yes, I’m talking about a friend showing you their art and then expecting an immediate reaction.
Her delightful ensemble of actors stress and fret about what to say to their artistic pal, all shot with sweaty seriousness and well-lit arthouse gallery flair.
Masterpiece’s rollicking conversation, especially about the different possible tactics to take when you have no idea how to tell your friend you just don’t “get it,” is its strength. Clever and punchy, it’s mumblecore ramblings with an energy and spirit not often seen in that form. Masterpiece’s characters may not know art when they see it, but you will.