A Lien

The film concerns the detention of undocumented US residents by ICE when those residents apply for for green cards at immigration centers. This is an ongoing practice and almost certainly sometimes happens when it shouldn't. I suspect, however, that the film presents a highly atypical instance of the practice, and does so for ideological/advocacy reasons as much as artistic/dramatic reasons. A viewer's appreciation of the film likely turns on the viewer's ability to identify with the characters on a personal level (for example, did they react to the situation as I would have?) Frankly, I did not. I found the film heavy handed at best.

I spoke to a few folks in related police, immigration, and government roles. They said this is just not possible. It is compelling to imagine how "bad" ICE can be, but the story grossly exaggerates the process and creates artificial political drama around how families are treated. It just would not happen that way. There are some very bad things happening with non-citizens being deported, but this over-the-top dramatic portrayal creates undue fear and hatred for the process. There is reason to be concerned about the police and ICE for sure, but this dramatization takes it too far and makes these people look cold and evil when they are enforcing the law, which is a shame. The director wrote a fiction story and presented it as reality.

"A Lien" is a short film that impresses with its ability to capture tension and fear in situations that should be routine and bureaucratic but instead become matters of life and death. Directed by brothers David and Sam Cutler-Kreuz, the film is precise and effective, pulling the audience into an oppressive and anxiety-inducing scenario. From the very beginning, the chaotic movement inside a car stuck in New York City traffic sets the tone. The camera's tight framing reflects the confined space and heightened emotions, serving not just as a technical detail but as a deliberate narrative strategy that puts the audience right in the midst of the protagonists' emotional whirlwind.

The sound design stands out as one of the film's strongest elements. Echoing footsteps, distant conversations, and everyday noises in the immigration center build a suffocating atmosphere that grows more intense as the story progresses. This soundscape is essential for conveying the vulnerability and uncertainty the characters experience. The cold, impersonal setting of the immigration office-with its concrete and glass walls-further highlights the stark contrast between the supposed normalcy of bureaucratic processes and the lurking brutality hidden beneath the surface. This duality is one of the film's most powerful aspects, transforming ordinary spaces into arenas of extreme tension.

Finally, the performances elevate the film's emotional impact. Victoria Ratermanis delivers a raw and compelling portrayal of Sophia, carrying the silent desperation of someone watching her family teeter on the edge of collapse. William Martinez, despite having less screen time, embodies a vulnerable yet dignified character, making his predicament all the more poignant. "A Lien" isn't just a social commentary on the practices of the U. S. immigration system-it's a film that turns collective experiences into something deeply personal and visceral. This balance between the political and the human makes the short film a must-watch.

Road to the Oscars 2025. This is nominated in 1 category best short film.

Having a short like this to highlight a problem you only hear more and more instances about is good. Using filmmaking to actually comment on something going on and showing it in this light. It is a coloured short of course on the political spectrum but if toy agree with it´s values as I do then it will no doubt be something worth checking out.

Oscar and Victoria is going to Oscars green card approval and has their daughter with them. The meeting turns into a far more serious problem for them.

The sound design in this short is actually really good. A lot of overwhelming sounds creates this chaotic sound side of the movie that helps elevate the chaotic nature of the situation of the short.

This short puts emphasis on a really sad situation that can hit a lot of families and according to the end statements already does. It is a really messed up way to treat people and while there sometimes can be more to a story no doubt, the idea of fairness and see-thoroughness is thrown out the window here and the idea is devastating.

The short is a bit too set up for drama though. The inclusion of the daughter character is only introduced to make more artificial drama and while it works it´s obvious for the viewers why it´s there. It took me out of the short a little bit.

But overall this is a sloid and competent short. It knows what it wants to tell and it does it in an effective way to shine light on an issue that might only get more insane from now on.

Oscar predictions: While I have only watched 2 of the contenders in this category this has a pretty good chance of winning with its subject matter. Virtue signalling a lot here, showing that the academy supports this course. But I have also watched I´m not a Robot(2023) and with the rising AI support films in Hollywood that might also have a pretty good agenda chance. OF the 2 I think I enjoyed I´m not a robot more, but I found this to hit me more.

A short film reflecting the operations of U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement against undocumented immigrants at their required Greed Card interview.

A family- mother, father , with roots in El salvador, their daughter. Prepaires for interview for man. In time of his interview, the intervention of ICE , arresting people without documents. The SMS of wife as warnings . And the effort to recuperate her daughter, present at interview with her father.

Easy to formulate conclusions about abuse and injustice.

The film proposes only a portrait about policy of American authorities. Well acted, it is a story about one of dark sides of immigration process.