Midlands Review of Peaches

midlandsmovies • September 10, 2020
Peaches

Directed by Kalman Dean-Richards

Pound Road Productions 

Black Country based film and television production company Pound Road Productions release their new short film Peaches which is directed by Kalman Dean-Richards.

Opening on a man (Wayne Dean-Richards as Pip) who is inside a tent, he closely inspects a golden ring before wrapping it up tight and packs it away as he is called outside by his friend Marvin (Andy Hill).

Together the two banter about what they are finding as they search through the forest with a metal detector. Sadly, they’re mostly uncovering cans (of beans or peaches) and Pip also sarcastically comments about how often their hunt leads them to horseshoes. 

So will they be lucky or not this time? 

Well, his friend hasn’t given up hope as he claws in the undergrowth with his bare hands. But unsurprisingly though, a horseshoe is all that’s uncovered despite their hunt for riches.

The two men’s disagreements lead them to going their separate ways but as Pip returns he is shocked to see Marvin’s hat in nearby water but we find out he was just taking a comfort break.

More of a brief skit than a film, the basic techniques are all here to present the simple story. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of artistry going on elsewhere and so each scene is shot in a straightforward style and simply edited. There’s hints of a strange parallel to Lord of the Rings at times (an earthly forest, a precious ring and a character named Pippin) which in many ways would be an interesting avenue to explore.

But as the two bicker about whether there is even any treasure, they finally stumble upon something buried that gives them hope. And the film ends on a note of optimism despite their rowdy friendship – perhaps in reference to Peaches being an historical symbol of new life.

A higher quality of film, editing and sound would have helped Peaches, but there’s nothing wrong with what’s presented in the main. And a certain leeway should be afforded given that it’s their first ever film.

A simple story, told simply, Peaches has got all the basics right and a good foundation to build upon despite a slightly bland delivery. But do keep this company on your “radar” in the hope to discover further films from them in the future.

Michael Sales
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