Sorry We're Closed

Directed by Jonathan Hawes

2026

One Door FIlms

It’s the little things in life that matter in Jonathan Hawes wonderful short film, Sorry We’re Closed. Jacob and Olivia (Michael Muyunda and Jemma Bentley) are a bored couple, sitting at home, silently dissatisfied with their jobs, their social lives, and the lack of spontaneity in their relationship.

After some goading from Olivia, they walk down to the local chip shop only to find it closed, which exasperates their frustrations. As their argument escalates, Jacob decides to break in, allowing them to cook their own fish and chip supper.

Hawes really showcases his writing ability here, creating a relatable couple in a few scant minutes, one that is clearly still deeply in love and yet stuck in a rut. The sharp, witty script is brought to life by the two leads, who share a clear chemistry.

Add to this, the fact that the film looks stunning – director of photography, Laurence Mason-Guetta, clearly loves their fish and chips as much as the characters given the care taken when the two are prepping the potatoes and fish.

There is a moment towards the end, a sudden bit of dark comedy, that could feel a little too leftfield for some. The film certainly doesn’t need it, and it does put a darker edge on the very sweet, very illegal date night. However, Hawes understands not to linger on this for too long. Bad things happen in the world, sometimes to an overwhelming degree, but Jacob and Olivia have each other and they can face whatever comes because of that.

One Door Films have been putting out consistently excellent shorts, and Sorry We’re Closed feels like a creative team at the top of their game. Breaking and entering never looked quite as romantic as it does here.

★★★★

4 / 5

Matthew Tilt

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