Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

I was convinced to watch this after reading the summary here on IMDb, and if I'm honest, I would probably say that the summary perhaps overshoots the film a little.That said, the evident acting is brilliant and the camera-work and editing were excellent. The score, too, was excellent. Fully engaging and brutally so. I was never distracted from it, but instead my mind was locked into it.I only think that there was perhaps something missing - despite myself, I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it is (which irritates me, as that's no help at all).I was left with a feeling of needing more, but perhaps that is what we are meant to be left with. It's a slice, but we don't get to taste the rest of the apple.(Edit: Upon rewatching, I found that I missed a lot in my first viewing. This is largely due to sound - there's a lot of dialogue that I missed when played without headphones, though whether that's my fault or the editors (or a combination thereof) I don't know. That said, I've got more appreciation for the story, now. I suggest keeping the volume up when watching.)

This review doesn't contain major spoilers, yet may hint at some plot points, especially the big twist.I wasn't overly impressed by this short. No doubt, it's a well made short, with solid acting and some beautiful shots. Yet neither the (many) action scenes really convinced me through innovative shots and the roughness of it just seemed a little bit fake, nor the "story" really, which is just there to justify the action.There is one big twist towards the end, that plays with the typical action flick cliché of the man being the savior and the little girl being the one that he needs to protect. The twist wasn't to expect and was pulled off nicely, so that's a big plus. So calling the short "conventional" may seem a bit odd. But:Sadly, it seemed like the short staged everything to just get to that twisty moment to be like: "Well how about that, now look at that twist, isn't that clever? That makes the whole short brilliant, doesn't it?"No, it doesn't. And what the hell does all of it mean, why are we watching this twist, what's behind it? Those questions don't get answered.By the way: When you can get Cumberbatch to play a role in your short, give him something to act! Really now, giving him that little (looking cool, looking beaten up, looking confused)... that's almost a sin.Overall still a solid short, well done! Just not that outstanding.

Version I just saw was 18 minutes long (plus credits).When it comes to short movies I never know what to expect. Sometimes great things can be done in little time on screen. Usually I see short films as part of some sort of compilation, like ABC's of Death.Its hard to give review for this film without revealing plot.Its quick, action paced movie, constant action for most of it, and its one of those things you either love or hate, nothing in between.I found beginning bit vague, the first three minutes, but its quickly apparent what happens why, then we have masterfully executed plot twist, and great ending.I want to see more from makers of this.

10 out of 10 for the acting, the cinematography, music, and directing. This stunning short thriller grabs you by the throat and won't let go.Benedict Cumberbatch is superb - nuanced and physically adept - as the vulnerable yet powerfully skilled ex-soldier (appears to be special forces from his formidable combat skills) and yet his life is a wreck; he gets a nasty text from a date and lives in a hell hole. The character is intriguing and begs for further development.The action and suspense are handled beautifully by all. Where this film could use some help, however, is in the writing. Neither the characters nor the storyline are developed (at least to this viewer's satisfaction) and while I was riveted throughout, the ending left me with the kinds of questions that suggest less an artistic choice than an omission. With the addition of a writer in the same league as everyone else in this film, this production company will know no bounds. I look forward to the next offering from Sunny March. Meanwhile, LITTLE FAVOUR is definitely worth watching. An excellent debut.