Writer director Andrew de Burgh delivers a short thriller with brains in with his new film Just One Drink. Oblivious stoner buddies Steve (Andrew de Burgh) and Derek (Isaac Anderson) make the wrong decision and accept an invite to a new year’s eve party and the consequences are more than just a bad hangover. While the short is unquestionably indie, de Burgh is here to explore something deeper than the typical slasher story.
Tamara (Barbara Nedeljakova) is a beautiful woman with a townhome in Hollywood who is throwing a little soiree at her place for new year’s. As Steve is chatting with his pal Derek about their next score of weed, Tamara reaches out on Facebook with an invite. Of course these two don’t have any plans and the arrive at Tamara’s doorstep right on time. Tamara is experienced, while these two high buffoons blithely wander into what we can see is a dangerous situation. But where will it go?
De Burgh is here to explore the cycle of violence and revenge. A pretty heavy subject to cover in 19 minutes but he actually pulls it off. The performances are acceptable, but it’s the justification of violence in any form that we are asked to consider. Is it ever the right thing to do?
While the film looks good, and has some thought put into it, there are some technical issues that shackle the film. The film really could have gotten away with minimal score or just background music. Instead we get a synth-heavy beast of a score that overpowers most everything it attempts to assist. Too, the script references Joseph Stalin in a key scene. Random, I know, but just hear me out. As awful a character as he was, I found the reference rather dated.
Regardless, Just One Drink works to explore the morality of revenge in an interesting and compelling way. De Burgh’s affinity for creating powerful female leads is on display again here and, while not perfect, it is admirable. Our advice, accept the invite, just don’t take a drink.
