A beautifully crafted slow-burn short that blends poetry, tension, and quiet heroism into an unexpectedly powerful cinematic moment.
Ozymandias is a reflective, atmospheric film that centers on a solitary security guard whose long, uneventful shifts are fueled by his love of poetry. When he is finally tested—forced to choose between apathy and action—the poems he reads become his moral compass. The result is a restrained but impactful story told through tone, performance, and carefully built tension.
The judges responded extremely positively:
- Ross rated it highly for its execution and concept.
- Jake loved the film’s slow-burn approach and was especially drawn to the mysterious door and the “badass” guard—highlighting that the audience in the theater responded strongly to it as well.
- Beth called it an interesting concept and praised its overall craftsmanship.
- Leonard admired the production value and cinematography, noting a few sound/foley issues but emphasizing that the film remains strong and compelling.
A Slow Burn Done Right
The film takes its time, letting the audience sit with the protagonist in his monotony—his isolation, his internal world, his poetry. This pacing works in its favor, setting a quiet emotional rhythm that pays off when the moment of conflict arrives. The security guard’s subtle transformation is handled with impressive nuance.
Cinematography & Atmosphere
Visually, Ozymandias is a standout:
- Composition and lighting are crafted with elegance and intention
- The film captures the guard’s environment with both realism and cinematic flair
- The “door” serves as a visual and narrative anchor—mysterious, symbolic, and thematically rich
The cinematography elevates the story beyond its intimate setting, making the guard’s internal struggle feel mythic in scale.
Performance & Production Craft
The actor portraying the guard delivers a grounded, memorable performance—quiet strength, vulnerability, and conviction all conveyed with minimal dialogue. Viewers understand him through body language, breath, and the way he reads his poetry.
Leonard noted minor sound/foley issues—minor enough not to overshadow the film’s strengths. Overall, the production quality is impressively high.
Poetry as Purpose
The use of poetry is not decorative—it is the engine of the guard’s moral choice. This artistic touch gives the film emotional and philosophical weight, and viewers are left contemplating courage, duty, and the meaning of inspiration in small, human moments.
Final Thoughts
Ozymandias is a thoughtful, artfully crafted short that lingers long after the credits. With a strong lead performance, evocative visuals, and a perfectly paced slow-burn structure, the film succeeds in drawing the audience into the quiet life of a man who finds strength in unexpected places.
A resonant, poetic, and well-executed short with real cinematic impact.
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