The Tree

Directed by Oliver Blair

2022

What do we know about our loved ones and how to deal with the good and bad of family ties are themes explored in new Nottingham-filmed comedy-drama The Tree.

James (Joel Morris) is a hot-headed working-class man who’s planned to meet his sister Yasmin (Hayley Thomas) to sort out a run-down and unused burger van that was owned by their late father.

The contemplative James stands alone in a dirty country car park as his sister arrives and very quickly the two become embroiled in a heated argument.

Resentments from the past are brought up as Yasmin demands an apology from her brother. And the explosive back-and-forth sees the two leads throw accusations at each other with James’ absence from sorting out his late father’s affairs stirring up raw emotions in Yasmin.

Once the siblings’ outbursts calm, they begin decluttering the van and even manage a few laughs as they reminisce and discover mementoes from their father's past. And the two leads are excellent in their strong roles, delivering natural performances as they move from sincerity to humour with ease.

The burger van’s ropey Union Jack flag looks like Geri Halliwell’s campy torn dress up on a pole, but also connotes an old-fashioned and long-lost generational difference creating a space between their father and themselves.

James fumbles with a broken ‘Action Man’ toy, and their initial heatedness soothes to a heartfelt chat. And James is more than pleased to discover Yas’ happy news that she is soon going to train as a nurse.

Writer-director Oliver Blair delves into black comedy territory as James wears a cheap woman’s wig found amongst the many storage boxes in the van and goes on to explain an unfortunate incident involving an overweight lady falling through the floor of his restaurant, forcing it to close.

A very local affair, the film has its own (tree) roots in the Midlands with its strong accents and discussions about regular working life. Reflective of the director’s passions, the film branches out in different directions which keeps it incredibly engaging throughout.

As the two begin to finish their task, one of the boxes splits open and its contents fall to the ground. And it is here James and Yasmin discover a secret part of their father’s life unknown to them before. The director’s inclusion of action men, colourful wigs and glitter end up providing a trail of breadcrumbs to the “Some Like It Hot” burger van and the mysteries within.

This hugely satisfying reveal ends up bringing the two closer together and although the film sadly overtly states the symbolic nature of a (family) tree and its roots beneath the surface, the short’s many layers are a joy to uncover.

Like all excellent shorts, The Tree is really a mini-movie, and succeeds in fully establishing its characters, backgrounds and motivations in well-written and acted scenes. But it still manages to do so with both depth and nuance, much to the talents of the two actors and assured direction. And like the characters in the film, Oliver Blair has made something intimate, fun and illuminating with a personal touch that’s both dark and very entertaining. 

★★★★★

Michael Sales