We always need something from others whether that other person is our relative, an acquaintance, or a random person. That something, of course, might be equivalent to respect and appreciation. At the end of the day, it’s always worth trying. How about dreams? What makes us think that, let’s say, a younger person has more rights to pursue a dream compared to someone who’s over his fifties? Who said that there is an age limit when we can or cannot do what our heart desires? Despite being a short feature film, “Snare” manages to unfold and navigate through the complicated dynamic of two individuals who happen to be father and son.
“Snare” follows Steve (the dad) and Jobe (son) who meet at the local Chinese restaurant. Both are quite happy seeing each other, however, shortly after a short exchange, they both reveal that they need something from the other; the problem is none tries to compromise with his demands. But through that encounter, the two learn about one another more than they thought they knew. It can either bring them closer or set their paths apart forever.
The most interesting and truly fascinating part about “Snare” is the beautiful performances delivered by Steve Rodgers and James Fraser, and of course, worth mentioning is the in-depth written screenplay by James Fraser and Madeleine Gottlieb, who directs the film herself. Once the film opens, we find Steve already at the restaurant, looking cheerful as he wears the t-shirt specifically made for his son’s musical band called The Nose Bleed. The man looks like a child, too excited and nervous at the same time as he has something to reveal, which we’re yet to know about.
When Jobe arrives, everything seems okay as the two begin having their meal, when Jobe begins talking about his upcoming tour to Japan and he hopes his father can support financially. That is a turning point when the father-and-son duo begins discussing their priorities. Steve is an excellent drummer who confesses to his son that he quit his job so he could continue drumming full-time. In fact, he prepared his demo hoping his son can pass it to the right people to give his records a chance to be listened to. Jobe, on the other hand, finds his father too immature and too old to be a drummer. And even he is not in a hurry to listen to his record. But when he does, he realizes the full potential of his father who feels every note of the music he plays.
“Snare” is an absolutely inspiring film with a never aging concept; no matter how many times it could be told, it’s always relevant. Mostly, it’s a sad story of how a father and son must buy something or offer in return to have each other’s attention. But even that moment should not upset you, as in “Snare”, it is not about breaking a heart, it’s about to bring the same broken heart and fix it through understanding, communication, and respect the dreams of any individual no matter at what age we are, and things we want to pursue.