The Darkest Blue | British Short Film

If you liked this short film then please share it far and wide!
𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺𝘀.
The Darkest Blue received multiple nominations at The British Short Film Awards 2021 for its beautiful cinematography, directing and top acting.
Synopsis
"Convinced that an artist is only truly appreciated after they are dead, a struggling painter plans to fake her own death, but not all goes to plan."
Cast
Brit Thomas - Fanta Barrie
Lee Hudson - Joseph Phelps
Writer/Director - Andrew Steggall
Producer - Samantha Whitehouse
Director statement
At its heart this film has a simple theme, that you need to give 100% of yourself to succeed in your craft.
As a filmmaker I have often found myself wondering if I can succeed in such a tough, unforgiving industry. But I, much like the main character Brit, have decided that the only way to find out is to give 100% of myself to this pursuit.
This film is for everyone out there who is caught in the balancing act of paying their bills and pursuing their dreams, a struggle we are all far too familiar with.

[@josephgiri2398]

A depressing commentary on how insane our culture is, but equally insane is the mind's desire for acceptance, fame etc.. Like Jim Carey says "he wishes everyone could be rich and famous, so they would know it's not the answer".

[@SynnJynn]

Personally never had the desire to be rich and famous. I'm quite happy in my own little world with my wonderful hubby. 😅

[@tulyar57]

"I see colours and shapes". She was right first time. Having the vocabulary to analyse a painting does not an artist make. Understanding how to produce one, does.

[@5656flowergirl]

One of the challenges in writing a short story or filming one is conveying everything the artist wants to portray. Not an easy task. This short film captured all the five senses. Brilliant ❤

[@mikegreiner5425]

not smell

[@aethellstan]

@@mikegreiner5425or taste or indeed any of the other 20 or so senses. (we have around 24)

[@christynharris-harrell6511]

I'm alarmed how much I understood Brit's position, and I'm a writer. I was profoundly moved by the conclusion, but also the portion when the art curator broke down how she is looking for a story, and I saw the despair in Brit's eyes.

[@manuelazacchetti4726]

Exellent! I did not consider the girl’s suicide before seeing the “special” landscape canvass in the end. Good happy-sad plot.

[@melindamakara2500]

This guy's reaction made me so angry! He ruined all her work, because of selfishness -loosing her, and not understanding this was not about him. Even in her death all her hard work and her life was destroyed by him. It was a great short film though. So much energy despair and searching for herself in this world which seemed to be so comfortable and passive to the others. Only her mother was supporting her.

[@caterinastahl3074]

Felt the same! Madw me angry that he destroyed all her hard work!

[@EsEm312]

He is not selfish i think you missed the point. He destroyed it bc no painting is worth her. No painting should be more valuable than her life. The point is why do artists have to die in order to become valuable? Why cant they live off of their work while they’re still alive?

[@caterinastahl3074]

@@EsEm312 I might have missed the point. Still, it felt wrong to destroy something the artist put all her hard work and love in :).

[@StonesAndSand]

@@EsEm312 This was what I was looking for.

[@tomcoryell]

I found it to be a false reaction. The writer of this has a poor understanding of psychology.

[@eyecheri]

The cinematography is gorgeous and not going to lie, I think about this so much as an artist, especially when people use that over used joke "you know you need to die first, before you become famous" artist don't want to be famous, we just want support. I am glad to see this concept in a short film. It was so beautifully done!

[@marysuzettecatipon6147]

Agree with you . Support and appreciation.❤

[@bivinspoetry]

You are absolutely right

[@atticuskilby515]

I often look at Monet, his life and his work. Why was he so successful during his lifetime where others struggle to get recognition? I think the answer is that he so appreciated his work, he was not his own best "critic" and his appreciation was infectious, it drew people with like appreciation to his work. It is about projecting that energy.

[@karizma8175]

Although I dont paint, I consider my self as an artist, through the creations I've brought into this world. Weather it be furniture pieces, lighting works, or metal sculptured fire pits. My direction changes as often as my thoughts and learning level. One day my name might be known, but I'll be long gone. I hope to create until old age takes me, but every day is hard to not look for that easy accidental exit. Stay here and strengthen from every hurdle. Peace.

[@galishamaewa]

I'm thrilled! Such a storm of emotions is experienced by the main character, personified in the ocean on which she worked. This is the essence of her feelings.🖤

[@metteholm4833]

Too much pain! Humans - oh God...... humans. Not rational beings.😵‍💫

[@constancewalsh3646]

I love films about artists, painters especially. This film does justice to the often unspoken and sometimes painted feelings we try to express.

[@b.visconti1765]

You shall be quoted as I love your line "often unspoken etc..your words described it perfectly❤

[@alkatrivedi3426]

😥 my most favourite painting had stolen from a school art exhibition. I had cried for many days. Here not painting but Artist herself is missing. Tears in my eyes. She created a masterpiece painting with truthful story.

[@use-hustlelucre]

The painting seem to came alive, I really had goosebumps after watching her final piece As if she left 3D literally to live in the painting

[@theewill1483]

Excellent portrait of a passion that drives us to incredible acts. Loved this short.

[@djecoed]

Okay, I NEVER post on YouToob because that's just a bunch of self-indulgent crap but "wouldn't be seen dead in that" is hilarious and holy smoke this is really.... this is a lovely little film I'm sorry. Strike the 'little'*. This is lovely film. For whatever it is worth, I think you should all be very proud for having crafted this lovely film. I am 65 years old and my knees hurt and I am worn down and I think you should all be very proud for having crafted this lovely film.

[@todradmaker4297]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this post. It made me laugh. You are important and appreciated; at least my eyes.

[@mossaffashahzad6312]

This film should've a million views at least. Top Class. Kudos. Hats off to the team

[@TheBritishShortFilmAwards]

We agree! Give it a share and spread the word :)

[@marcuswall8852]

Yeah this is really good!! 👍

[@RankinMsP]

I was not expecting that ending. Beautifully done. Shocking and rewarding

[@rogersproductions1460]

Great cinematography and great job conveying characters emotions

[@jamesmorgan3032]

Her mother dying, she being broke and hopeless. You could feel her agony while being denied some ecstasy of recognition.

[@sadiqzaman3971]

A perfect short film I've ever seen. 10/10 it is.

[@chobhamgirl7787]

Absolutely beautiful scenery. Excellent acting. Great story. Brilliant.

[@jaxjax3494]

An artist puts their heart and soul to canvas. It is an expression of what they feel, who they are. An extension of themselves. They hope to move or challenge the observer; convey a story or idea. It’s a story of their inner struggle.

[@eckosters]

as someone who lost two friends to drowning, one of them on a beach like this where there were lots of people, I can't appreciate this

[@MattFaris]

Stunning short. Beautifully shot and great story telling! Resonates deeply with me.

[@joanneweiss3864]

What an amazing short! Incredible future for writer/director! I'm not an artist but as a musician & for other reasons, this story, her family struggles, self doubt, depression really hit me in the gut, heart & soul. The fantastic cinematography & music, and his look at the end, wow.

[@sweetysinha007]

Not depression but victim of system created else she was very confident and that eventually showed⭐

[@donnaduhamel6004]

Never ever give up Always KNOW you are loved No ones opinion matters!!!!!!

[@remaspentil7971]

What a good story. I had a roller coaster of emotions while watching this. It's like we can feel what it's like to go through something so. difficult in life by the main character himself. The cinematographic and the music also made me amazed how there are still much more great film producer today.

[@thompsonapproachacademy]

wow. the conflict and the passion. That is what ignites the artist within. I like this very much.

[@flowergirl7260]

As artists, i believe if we simply create for the love of creating, that is our payment. That is the "conclusion" i've come to. No need to make it life or death. It's nice if a few people appreciate it, and they usually do when they feel the love in it.

[@andrewhancock2451]

That means that it is not done as a bread winning job, at least not the main one. Nothing wrong with that, people pursue all sorts of passions outside of breadwinning. But if the distinction isn't clear from the start, there is a high probability of tragedy. Even if one makes it big in a field of few rock stars, it wouldn't necessarily be in a manner that honours what one finds gratifying about the work. I think that many fields of endeavour are like that, not just art.

[@rosie8126]

I wanted to see more of the story, it was an excellent piece of artwork.

[@karenlindley9265]

Wooouuu.. A ray of emotions and a life wasted? Or maybe not wasted? Something to reflect very deep and to discuss.. In the end she was not in a gallery,only in people's heart.. Especially her closes friends,which have to deal with a secret behind doors for the rest of their lives and feeling guilty maybe too.. Was they able to bring awareness about suicide ? Because I felt from the beginning when she visited her mom,that was her goal.." To be with her mom ".. Especially when she mentioned Van Gogh tragic life..! 😔😔😔

[@inasssaid5429]

Very well done . Rewinded to see it again.

[@bockgirl]

I love you as an an actress. You are whoever you decide to be.

[@singsonggirl9267]

What a chilling story. Beautifully rendered.

[@peachypie8184]

i have this goosebumps after seeing the final art 😳

[@amishaacharya7392]

Same

[@AspenandEmery]

Absolutely stunning.. from the filming to the grading and the acting. Amazing work by all.

[@samsungtap4183]

What story and what acting...give me a holiday. Me, i'm going to watch a episode of Foyles war

[@AspenandEmery]

@@samsungtap4183 What world do you live in?

[@barbaraMarch18]

Wow, that was captivating! I loved it 💖🙏✨

[@aprilbrown0413]

A beautifully conveyed story, it captures so much emotion and struggle. The music and atmospheric sounds with the lightning and ambiance of the scenes really sets the mood for the emotions being portrayed. Wonderfully done. Keep creating what inspires you and take care.

[@ericchild8845]

Outstanding. Very well done and definitely got my full attention for the short duration of the piece. I very much enjoyed the camera work, excellent acting and lighting of the scenes. Very impressive.

[@pauldavey]

WOW nothing I can say that has not been said all ready. Fantastic storyline, great acting and superb cinematography of the beach/sea.

[@lostcowproductions]

💯 %

[@pearlupthejunction]

Excellent…..I went through a range of emotions in that short time.

[@georginaturner7059]

Such a bizarre concoction of extreme emotions leaves me incredulous. The trio of friends are comic in an alarming way. There is a lot more to Van Gogh than his cutting off his ear, and yet that is what is remembered by so many. However, although "struggle" is necessary, it is only the outcome that may be important. Suicide is a shock tactic for attention, it is not about an artistic ability.finding a way to express itself brilliantly.

[@krishnamayimarianni8026]

Georgina Turner@ I completely agree with you. I would add that I don't like the storyline where suicide is an option.

[@cajsheen2594]

Suicide I have always thought of as the ultimate selfishness. I must have read it somewhere when I was young and it stuck. XXX

[@denise2169]

@@cajsheen2594 , obviously, you have never been in such emotional pain that suicide is an option . People that succeed have been able to finally find a way to escape. It’s not selfish and people who are depressed need our compassion. I’m sure there are many people around you who are addicted to something (work, internet, gaming, food, sex, gambling, etc, etc), but they are able to hide it because society doesn’t approve. The US may be the richest country in the world money-wise, but it is one of the most emotionally deprived! This storyline is only the tip of the iceberg. Listen to Dr Gabor Maté about why addiction (and suicide) are not a choice.

[@cajsheen2594]

@@denise2169 You have no idea, do you? Please, don't preach, to me or anybody, when you have no knowledge of their background! You do me an injustice and yourself a disservice!

[@tomcoryell]

@@cajsheen2594 You know nothing about suicide.

[@tallulahhamiltonbarr942]

this is beautiful

[@moniqueengleman873]

Wonderful. Brilliant. Thank you

[@philljombs1151]

Well executed and on point...

[@HollyHargreaves]

Beautiful!

[@christinebrument6851]

Depressing. Can you imagine her poor Mother? How could she possibly recover after this? She wouldn't even have all her artwork after he selfishly destroyed her lifes work. Terrible

[@mt.shasta6097]

I hated that guy. Those paintings rightfully belonged to the mother. He destroyed Brit's soul.

[@wendigareau7298]

Wow, so powerful!

[@philipmcluskey6805]

wow! really ,really loved this

[@lostcowproductions]

An amazing job. Great film making

[@shaunknowles2076]

Brilliant story, that would make a great drama series 👏👏👏

[@katherinewilson1853]

It's better as a short or a movie. A series...I don't really see the tension supporting it over time as a series. That's why it's so dramatic as a short.

[@apistosig4173]

Not perfect - but perfect enough. Very inventive, creative and fresh - bravo!

[@GreeneTeamMedia]

Absolutely fantastic :0

[@kinzachaudhary5082]

Exact example of when a Family pressure hits you so hard to study the subject you don't even want to be💔

[@utkarshtewari8082]

I'm from india after i saw this short movie such a great work and story in simple scence. It's a reality of life every struggling person.

[@nicson10]

This is fantastic.

[@violetavillasenor8672]

Brilliant, touching, poignant! Grazie from Rome!

[@claudiamanta1943]

Just beautiful 👏

[@AyushMaurya-zr2yu]

wow! what a incredible plot she was working on her death all time which is scary and also blows up your mind

[@annestell8207]

Well done, excellent storyline, believable and all well acted. Kudos to you all

[@michaeltluongo]

this was really good

[@believeinpeace]

This was excellent! Thank you!

[@TheBritishShortFilmAwards]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheresaGreen-oq4xe]

You know what when I was working at a nursing home I talk to a janitor about my art he loved it, and I told him about this artist I love, his art was unbelievably good he made a lot of money but he was depressed and drank himself to death he said all artist are depressed he said it's goung to happen to me the depression I mean and you know he was right people love my art and I'm on my way but I suffer from real bad depression but I'm getting some help I don't want to end up dead and not enjoy what I do. But I wonder why artist are depressed when they create such beauty.😮

[@trevorflarty1811]

Hauntingly,poignant, piece of work.

[@niacomp]

why we value the person, emotions, and Their work when one departs? The films invokes these questions

[@prisonbreak9818]

I really learnt a great lesson is that people are not going to care about you or preciate what you did until you pass away

[@michaelfrost2867]

Just Beautiful 😢❤ Bravo

[@andrewharris8439]

Wow what a great short movie.

[@MobileFilmmaking]

Awesome short. I loved it

[@meditation2motivation]

Great piece of work.

[@lindyosborne4732]

Norfolk ! and Anteros ! Interesting subject and so true .

[@landang7906]

08:19 Why didn't they at least wait for her to come back up to the beach. She could have gone elsewhere after that. And what's it about destroying all her work? it wasn't necessary at all, even if he was grieving.

[@antonbrask4574]

What an amazing plotwist!

[@rahulsain1924]

Artiest needed appreciation We should End is goosebumps

[@blueman23]

Really great… short words but really expressed many things 💙🙏🥷🏻

[@andreasingo6490]

Great short. I like how you introduce the watchers to the film with spellbinding images and music. Then how we step-by-step are pulled into the main character's shoes. Planting plot-devices, introducing secondary characters, slowly building for dramatic punch and then ending the film with a good twist or two. It's the craftmanship of this film that impressed me the most but also the Ireland-wibe. It's something about Ireland (Was the film shot in Ireland or England?) on film that many times presents *good magic*: The Landscape, The People, The Music. I was really impressed with the acting in this film. How all actors involved really were convincing from my point of view, they had a *charm* to them. The Ireland wibe, I think you nailed the characters that made me think of "Trainspotting" in a way. Good charm, good drama, good visuals and music. And the message was spot on! Good work! If you feel like it check out my computer animated short "Alien Forever" about a lone woman confronting an international war scenario in the future and learning odd things on the way. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6GcqICMfM11gac

[@ellyvandermaesendesombreff6902]

magnificent!

[@rw8873]

aaahhhhh! Not at all the ending I expected but maybe I should have - lovely cinematography

[@comfyactor]

I could think of three or four alternate endings to this, but the one used was good. It wrapped up the story nicely.

[@madjdabr8085]

I'm interviewing to know what ending would you put

[@daisythomas7567]

Dark sarcasm👏

[@norabongiorno6197]

Perfect

[@logansteiner8856]

Wonderful little movie. So creative!

[@nell8170]

This was brilliant.....TFS

[@isratjahanchandni8449]

Lovely 💙💙💙

[@mariasahar2788]

She should've live for the sake of living in the joy of creating art. And apart from anything she herself was the beautiful art piece. There was a room for improvement in storyline. 🙏

[@The88lightangel]

She should've live for the sake of living in the joy of creating art." I love that you expressed this, so positive and an interesting viewpoint, thanks found it very refreshing.

[@JamesBellLandscapePhotography]

Fantastic

[@angelkhan2494]

It made me cry

[@jayakumarjrain]

Amazing perfectionist Jrain

[@mycorrhizae111]

Brilliant.

[@H0neybee_]

Damnnnnnn . Deep.

[@xxkatexx06]

Incredible 🤩

[@kaushikkodi7365]

Society mind opening!!! Brilliant short film!!!

[@chamalharshanath1739]

Nailed it

[@mandritachatterjee2918]

Incredible, oshadharon(excellent)

[@angelkhan2494]

Its tooo sentimental it gently touch our heart so emotional felt her pain its too amazing

[@StevenConstantine-fw2kn]

Well written, well acting

[@chandanbatra2828]

Painting is for generations to see and feel mesmerized by the artist's unfathomable skills. The painting shown around 5:30 is not real artistry. A painting is of no use if masses don't connect with it. So stupid but definitely the film is nicely directed and acted.

[@tracyshively4885]

Beautiful but sad and depressing too.

[@jivanvasant]

COLOR HER DECEITFUL The Deepest Blue is the Deepest Depression and Deepest Deceit. [12:35] An amateur oil painting of overcast black clouds, turbulent black ocean waves, brown eroded beach at point of a riptide, and windswept brown-grey dune grass. The colors, shapes, medium and technique of the painting tell the story of a painter who felt like a failure with nothing to live for. As a last resort, she concocted a hoax that matched her personality of self-deception.

[@terryallen6688]

That is such B.S. in the art world, who are you trying to reach, the art dealers or the patrons. I think it is the ones who appreciate the art for what it is. Hard work. gut retching belief and a deeper understanding of one's very soul.

[@jesuisravi]

I confess, when I saw the guy kicking holes in the paintings I said, not loud but deep, "You asshole!

[@PIMPSTREZZ-DNA-FAM]

Why would you destroy her artwork who are you

[@dalibofurnell]

Well done you guys xxx