Pickles is a coming of the age tale about an impressionable lost girl named Aspen who finds solace in an older, defiant girl named Ivy. The short explores the friends we all had who made us smile, but made our parents hesitant to invite over. The short begs questions about those friends and whether they are truly the light at the end of the tunnel, or ultimately more lost than the people they try to lead.
Molly Smith presents the narrative through a keen cinematic eye, telling a large portion of the short through just cinematic language in a montage documenting the adventure Aspen has with Ivy. Her cinematic eye is perfectly showcased in Pickles. She has a clear vision, and will no doubt grow into her own for as a writer and director.
Both of the lead actors in Pickles perfectly fit their respective roles. Caley Brooke gives Ivy a reckless feeling, perfectly manifesting that childhood friend we had. Meanwhile Grace Lamerson provides a wide eyed, and innocent performance as Aspen. The two have great chemistry that will no doubt callback to when you were a teen.
Pickles picked up the official selection award at Miami Independent Film Festival, and holds the title of Semi-Finalist at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.