FROM LIFE | Omeleto

An artist encounters a ghost.
FROM LIFE is used with permission from Uli Meyer. Learn more at ulimeyer.com.
An amateur artist named Godfrey sketches regularly in a churchyard, where he finds himself encountering a beautiful young woman again and again in the same spot.
He draws her again and again, and comes to believe she is a ghost. But one day they actually talk, uncovering a truth much stranger than either of them realizes.
Director Uli Meyer, working from his original idea with writer Michael Marshall Smith, has fashioned a supremely elegant supernatural drama that uses its sense of fantasy and magic to explore deeper emotional mysteries like the persistence of longing and the enduring mysteries of beauty.
Shot on 35mm film, the story conjures a hypnotic, delicately bucolic world of the past through atmospheric cinematography and stately camera movements. Visually, the short has an old-fashioned, romantic quality, almost rooted in the values of Old Hollywood -- there are no modern jump cuts, for instance, but gentle fades in and out to connote the passing of time. The tempo and pace of the main story are resolutely unrushed and remarkably quiet in tenor, creating a lovely sense of elegiac melancholy, which is also built by its delicate, romantic score and its subtle performances.
But the film is not an exercise in nostalgia, at least not in the traditional sense, where usually simple pleasures of the past are evoked to enrich the present. Instead, the film uses its exquisitely crafted sense of tragic romanticism to create a sense of mourning. To say anything more would reveal too much, but by the time the film's conclusion hits its last grace note, the strange ineffable sadness that suffuses the film makes absolute sense, and becomes a testament to a much more immense, heavier legacy.
FROM LIFE is a story with supernatural elements, but through its commitment to craftsmanship and the preoccupations of its characters, it also offers a meditation on beauty: how it has the power to endure, elicits continued curiosity and transfigures everyday life. Very often, beauty may be the only thing left behind in a story that ends all too soon, along with a yearning for more that can carry across time, space and even dimensions.

[@ladybirdtravels]

That explains why the gardener never acknowledged him. What a beautiful, haunting story. This one will stay with me.

[@emilys3638]

Watching through the second time, his line is extra poignant when he revels, "She spoke to me...!" Poor lonely unseen ghost....

[@robertlausch5650]

Perhaps he can move on now.

[@Bertrand146]

Probably inpired by the film "The Others"...

[@syntheticsilkwood2206]

And also tge reason why the other guy doesn't respond to his greetings

[@gemstar7286]

What a twist , and all along i thought she was the ghost .

[@This_tub]

@@gemstar7286 such naieveness

[@Rambleon31]

"why are these other ghosts drinking Starbucks coff... oh wait..."

[@anjanaj5985]

😁😁😁

[@srimandava4323]

wait why are they I dont get it

[@PaperCranesAndHaiku]

They were in old-fashioned costume and they were just taking a break from filming 😀

[@Bertrand146]

Have you seen "The others"?

[@PaperCranesAndHaiku]

@@Bertrand146 One of my favorite twists! And Nicole Kidman is one of my favorite actors :)

[@kartinaselvarajan8770]

I kind of suspected that he was the ghost from the 2nd time the "leaves sweeping" guy didn't make eye contact with him. It was sad and memorable in a way to know that he died due to the war and never got to live his life.

[@Dizzula]

You kind of suspected? It's called "An artist suspects a woman is a ghost after meeting her repeatedly in the same spot." What else could it have been about?

[@adityakarmakar8452]

The background score too, was as wonderful as the screenplay...

[@mumblesnow]

Aditya Karmakar ya I feel the same, a bit reminds me of Hans Zimmer in The Holiday

[@CharGC123]

This 8 minute short had more impact and will leave more of an impression than any recent hollywood efforts! So emotional!

[@davioliveira9827]

I was absolutely fascinated and in awe of this enchanting short film. The surprise ending and the short film's dedication to those who lost their young lives in wars and other conflicts, especially in WWI (not as talked about as WWII), is commendable.

[@JamesPolichak]

100 years ago it was talked about plenty. The Great War. The War to End All Wars. The pensions that weren't paid.

[@DrRonArt]

Sometimes the ghost we think is a ghost isn't the one who's the ghost. This is a very sensitive, beautiful film.

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

I did not see that twist coming. Well done!

[@fredscharff5797]

Sorry I didn't understand the ending, what happened ? The girl wasn't a Ghost but it was the Man?

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

@@fredscharff5797 Yes.

[@marianneodell7637]

I actually did....reminiscent of the sixth sense....butI LOVED it!

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

@@marianneodell7637 Good for you! That was a great movie. :-)

[@brazgazz]

i mean it was pretty obvious imo

[@felipelotas5609]

So so so beautiful...I cannot find the words. What a marvelous little bit of visual poetry. Kudos to anyone involved with this project. You are eternal now. Love and big hugs from Spain.

[@woodstoney]

This held the twist until the end and the pieces came together in a most unusual way. Touching yet bittersweet. Very nicely done!!

[@noneofyourbusiness302]

How are you not in movies and tv? Actually, I misspoke! You are better than tv and movies, by far!!! Thank you for adding charm to my day! Much love, Grace

[@ascetic3312]

Because these films are made by different people. Omeleto showcases films from Sundance-selected directors (Sundance is a film festival, if you don't know). Omeleto doesn't make these films. This means, by the way, that the filmmakers are already in the industry. If you're interested in their work, look in the video description and you'll find links related to the filmmakers.

[@henkturban268]

😚 (_!_)

[@baishalimandal3293]

Honestly I love the graveyard.. it takes me to a different aura.. I feel peace... I used to go to Calcutta Old Cemetery... In this lockdown I miss the place most...

[@krishnagopan7837]

Calcutta🤩🙌 Wish I could visit there someday. It's all about the magnificent history, arts and literature.

[@mx_lei]

A wonderful end twist. Also, the shot of the woman's feet and hem of her dress as she ran out of the graveyard was a superb combination of excellent cinematography and sweeping soundtrack. Wonderful and emotional. War is disgusting 😢😢

[@GeoffBeggs]

Starts Omeleto story. IMMEDIATELY goes full screen before seeing a single comment. Always a wise move.

[@Firebrand55]

Omeleto.............the yardstick of short film excellence. This film showing how utterly simple and straightforward a good tale can be. A fine performance by the young actors.

[@perizatismailova2646]

She's so beautiful

[@WERNUTZ]

Six sense: Well dang I'm the dead people.

[@cat9448]

WERNUTZ i see dead peopl... wait i am the dead people

[@robertgaron9057]

WERNUTZ 😂🤣🤣😂😆

[@RobMacKendrick]

Now wait a minute... who's dead, again? It's so hard keeping all this crap straight.

[@Focused76]

This is out of the world beautiful! The music, the cinematography, actors and stories and the ambiance loved it

[@absarahmadcybage9184]

The music made me shiver.

[@emmapingault9041]

Wow i didn't expect such a good end! What a lovely work

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

@@TheAstroflight lol Same here. Too funny.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

edit: SPOILER I thought for sure ... SHE WAS THE GHOST. I never saw it coming. EXCELLENT SHORT.

[@toodles1472]

Ok y u gotta give the spoilers :")

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

@@toodles1472 I never understand why people go into the comments, or like a video before they've even watched it. Perhaps you could ... explain it to me?

[@toodles1472]

@@RPRosen-ki2fk I did not even open the comments it was showing when i opened the video:")

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

@@toodles1472 If that was the case, I feel bad. :( I apologize if it ruined the film for you, because it truly was a GREAT plot twist. Oh and by the way if you ever watch "The Sixth Sense" , Bruce Willis is ... DEAD.

[@gabrielalvarado7849]

I shouldn’t have opened the comments and spoiled myself.

[@kikivolauvent1]

The joy of having discovered Omeleto! And being able to go back and forth through this extra-ordinary (!) collection of wonderful shorts! Just re-watched this gem a second time, to fully appreciate the fine and telling details I missed the first time (in my favour: I was cooking!). What a treasure. Thank you so much.

[@StrangeInnocent]

People that disliked your videos does not know the art behind it all. Everything that you create in less than 10 minutes amuse me from inside out. I don’t understand how of some of your videos doesn’t have millions of viewers? I am a huge fan of your work. Your way of thinking it’s mesmerized.

[@gautamchopra9939]

Those details in his art were something.

[@SalGL]

Beautifully done. The concept, the feel of being right there. BRAVO!!!!!!!!

[@elonever.2.071]

It was a movie set about Godfrey, everyone was in costume and she was reading her lines, you can see the camera at 6:38. The 'sketch book' was a prop that she forgot on the bench. When she went back to pick it up she could sense his presence there at the bench at 5:58 as she is picking up the book. This is when she senses his presence (watch her look at the engraving on the back of the bench, the expression on her face and how she clutches the book to her chest). After she runs back to the director and hands him the book, she turns to look back at the bench where she had the experience; look at the emotion on her face at 6:45. She isnt sure if it really happened but she knows the feeling she had was real. The conversation between the two only happened to Godfrey, Emma was just reading her lines. This is a beautifully written, and directed short film. I could feel the emotion of Godfrey during the conversation and Emma's when feeling his presence and after returning the book to the director. The haze following Emma while walking gave an air of mystery and a sense that there is more than meets the eye going on here. A sense that we are dealing with two realms of existence and just enough mystique to make it unclear which actor was in the present reality. Very well done. One of the better shorts I have seen.

[@rituparna6133]

Oh yes, she was reading out the lines... I didn't get that before...

[@Riya-px9db]

Wow, I don't know but I was just not able to figure out the main idea of the story, apart from knowing that the man was himself ghost, read the description too, but nothing helped, I don't know probably my focus has weakened sadly, but anyways your comment made the whole thing clear, the name of the girl, you got it, heck I didn't even noticed there were lightings around Emma after she returned, I just thought, this film was set in olden periods, but to get at the point, I am really thankful for your comment, Good luck 🍀

[@elonever.2.071]

@@Riya-px9db You are welcome. I had a magnificent English Literature teacher in high school and we analyzed and learned to find the symbolism in poetry and plays from Shakespeare. Once you can see it a couple of times it becomes easier.

[@cabbys]

Very nice interpretation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I believe that at 5:58 she reads the inscription on the bench and realizes the true significance of the location, of where she is actually standing. She had not realized this before as she read her lines. She looks back as your say, but not because she felt a ghostly presence, but because she established a genuine connection to Godfrey Williams, who once was. Nothing ghostly on her part as she is alive and living in the present. Godfrey, on the other hand, is definitely a ghost. I’d like to hear your thoughts.

[@cas4040]

She’s holding his sketchbook in the scene. Her script is the smaller red one that was left on the bench.

[@o2boutdoors]

Well-played at every turn...wow! The maintenance guy's earphones should have been a clue, but I didn't connect the dots.

[@loriwalsh8589]

Earphones? Now I have to go back and look!

[@lastmanstanding2622]

A beautiful film with such a beautiful dedication at the end. As a retired US Air Force Officer, I appreciate your kindness.

[@katherinkeegan8601]

Thank you for your service

[@lastmanstanding2622]

@@katherinkeegan8601 For the 32-years I spent in uniform, it was my pleasure to serve not only my country, but for wonderful people like you Miss Keegan. Cheers my friend.

[@lolgriffin3243]

This short film was like a poem. Just magical.

[@maggieritchie9382]

Emma, you did amazing!! I loved it definitely wasn’t expecting that ending , such a nice film

[@madchenblumen7125]

I still come back here and replay this short movie . It's so inspiring. I would like to see a full movie in those aesthetic. Actors,music, and shots are poetry. Thanks so, so much .

[@marz6823]

I thought she was the ghost and he was a hipster with old style clothing and since I also dislike using a sharpener and use a knife instead, did not think him out of place at all. This was perfect, well done!

[@rachaelstanley7986]

Artists in college are taught to use a scalpel blade to create a long point so that didn't seem odd to me.

[@lindsaydickson3096]

Beautiful film! My only complaint is that it's too short. This should be a full-length feature.

[@Lady_Deadpool]

All I kept thinking was, "Don't scroll down! Don't scroll to the comments!" 😂 Tbh I thought both where ghosts but the guy didn't know.

[@Soluchi-InfiniteCoCreatorGod]

Wow...great film.

[@kurtthewicked9009]

And like countless millions of other young men, he lost his life in a war that would never have been fought but for the vanity of a few old men.

[@MrAkilwil]

Films like these that makes this channel so addictive... I was mesmerized for the full time. Wait, 8 mins were suspended!! It felt like 15!!! Wow!!

[@loupasternak]

Found this from looking up Emma Laird in imdb. She has a starring role in The Mayor of Kingstown, the series. Surprised I'm the first to mention it here.

[@Jen18812]

Oh my goodness I saw this when it was shown at Crystal Palace Film Festival. Just found it here. Much belated congratulations!!!

[@tamaraanderson5717]

I love her hair and how the sun enhances the color

[@jonathanrolon609]

7 minutes. I just watch a seven minutes movie that carved quite a feeling in my heart. I felt it. And the ending... what a surprise. Well done. I’m still feeling the expression in her face. Thank you for posting such a beautiful movie.

[@martinwebb1681]

Loved every minute of this one ... and there were so few of them, but that made it extra special ... everything about this film was beautiful and that ending was just so unexpected.

[@marciosilva3828]

The Sixth Sense in nine minutes.

[@MarlaCalandra]

Ahahaha you tricked us!! At the end I became temporarily confused seeing the lighting and cameras until I realized the twist! Then I actually had to stop for a moment, backtrack and process the reality of it all! Kind of reminds me of the mind game the director played on all the viewers in The Sixth Sense. I would love to see the full movie of this one!! Excellent! I loved it!

[@absarahmadcybage9184]

The Sixth Sense was an epic. I can't say if there will ever be another like that.

[@colinellesmere]

This is brilliant. One of the best of a fantastic panorama that is found on Omeleto. The haunting atmosphere perfectly captured. Seven minutes of film that will be embedded in my mind for long to come. The end dedication. Perfect.

[@2painful2watch]

This was a hauntingly beautiful story. Kudos to all involved in this marvelous masterpiece.

[@evek1057]

Yes, the lady running passed others holding coffee cups, made me get her purpose. Nice tender twist.

[@dexterlee569]

That twist BLEW me away!!! Excellent short!!

[@robertlausch5650]

Very well done! Also loved the closing quote...sad but all too true.

[@joydipchatterjee2761]

Great Piece of Work. All the best to the team, for their contribution in different areas - to make it each such a delight to watch.

[@RobMacKendrick]

As a lifelong student and fan of cemeteries - the more obscure, the better - this story had me from the start.

[@Solitaire19]

Lovely writing, no surprise that MMS is partly behind this miniverse

[@Serend_ipity]

Beautiful short little story

[@vaprebluemike7520]

Hauntingly beautiful.

[@larrybyrne111]

What a lovely and sad story. I am particularly touched by the dedication at the end.

[@narutokunn]

Okay what the duck. Didn't see that coming. His words make so much sense.

[@kajgroup]

You know you've seen enough movies and stories that you simply guessed the twist right from the very start, as always.

[@GradKat]

How beautiful! I just LOVED this! Such a clever and moving story.

[@aarons7975]

Nice short here. Quiet piece, nothing super twisted or complicated, just a nice story. Thank you for this.

[@KimKim-pp5fn]

i was 100 % sure that SHE IS THE GHOST !!!!!!!!!!!!! a big surprise in the end ! well done

[@lesliemontemayer4253]

I love this. Emma, you did a great job. ❤️❤️

[@jennybeldin4294]

Great short! Probably one of the best I've seen so far.

[@emilyvass9730]

Absolutely beautiful. Can't say anything more, just...So beautifully made.

[@1rewd133]

I started catching on when I noticed the modern trash can by the bench ...

[@traceylarkin3554]

Just a perfect few minutes that left an imprint on my heart. So touching and sad.

[@aishh8794]

I watched this many times cuz it's soul touching video his pation towards his work and his purity defines everything when in starting nobody noticed his presence i thought it's part of story but now I realize what is the situation actually this story presented us from the point of view of his ghost i am feeling little emotional... :))

[@ChristineMC74]

Wow..I wasn't expecting that ending. Truly a beautiful story, thankyou!

[@billyfran1]

Beautiful and unexpected. Well done!

[@octopuzsea1666]

Beautifully shot and what a twist! Bravo!

[@mandolinic]

One of the best short movies I've ever seen.

[@AnthonyVassallo]

Notice that at 2:20 and 3:20 the woman already is walking around with the book. Her admiration of his work enabled her to speak to him. So is the final scene with the big reveal when she first found the book? This puts the movie timeline into question.

[@user-gf5ce9ig1b]

I do not think it was his sketchbook, i think it was (spoiler) the script she was memorizing (end of spoiler)

[@pr1ssycr1ssy]

This was amazing... a great twist. I loved it. I had to watch it for a second time from a different perspective.

[@mandytreutens9099]

what a wonderful twist.... at the end I was half expecting his picture of her to appear in her binder.....

[@lauradensing3278]

This is haunting-ly beautiful

[@dominion2343]

That was Lovely. The plot twist was wonderfully held, insuring it would sweetly haunt us.

[@davemorris5377]

I think we've been too programmed to anticipate plot twists. Spotted this one 20 seconds in!

[@marih3286]

What a wonderful film and quite a surprising ending. Bravo!

[@Milisenta777]

Beautiful and so cleverly done!

[@tietjen666]

Great atmosphere and performances. Bravo!

[@gerardstephens58]

Beautifully executed by all, and so little dialogue to tell a very moving story.

[@biggestbrowneyes]

there are no ghost.......thanks another good one

[@robhall3311]

What a beautiful little film; very touching and resonating. Thank you.

[@professorsage8922]

Bruh. I never even expected that woah great story!

[@roscluaran]

Brilliant video. Beautiful story with a great twist ending.

[@lauramarcq4941]

You out did yourself,just beautiful.

[@4thwalltv]

Bravo. This was excellent! Full of depth and emotion

[@lavaunjohns7796]

Wow, I never saw that coming. Great short!

[@stevethon2444]

Beautiful story, and well done. Suggest the filmmakers make more, please. ;)

[@timkies3997]

I don't think anyone saw that ending coming. Well done, and a fun movie.

[@josethottumkal]

Reminds me of the movie "The Others". You think the ghosts are the living and the living the ghosts. Beautifully done.

[@ajisenramen888]

Reminiscent of Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman. I love the musical score, the poetic lighting, loved everything.❤️👍

[@luvuforeverjames]

I thought straightaway that when the caretaker/gardener didn't acknowledge him, that it was he who was the ghost....also when he said the words "she spoke to me". Beautiful story indeed.

[@djr3386]

That running sequence (beginning part) at the end was beautifully shot 😍. My compliments to the team 👏

[@marcb8315]

The Starbucks product placement was totally unneccessary.

[@user-zt2ob3dn3h]

Excellent short! Thnx for sharing this!

[@BrassLock]

When I saw 8+ minutes without subtitles, my heart sank. _"Can I tolerate more mumbles?"_ my brain asked. Luckily I watched anyway, and was enthralled.

[@DrDavelope]

Great story. I picked the twist but only closer to the end. Quality production. Well done!!! More please.

[@kobeburrows2026]

Excellent film. Incredible plot twist, I'm sure I wasn't the only one shock by the ending! 💯🤘👏

[@robkenner5456]

Wow. What a twist!