Vincent, a first grade elementary school student, has to take online distance learning due to the COVID19 pandemic. With the family still required to work, Vincent studies independently, assisted by his uncle when his attention starts to wane. Showcasing how life has changed during the pandemic and the importance of family, “Thank GOD! To Give This Pandemic” offers an intimate portrayal of the familial bond.
“Thank GOD! To Give This Pandemic” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
The daily life of a housebound child and his uncle tasked with helping him out gives an endearing portrait of daily life. Consequently, the importance of routine, struggles with boredom and playfulness managed between youth and adult is explored in earnest. Celebration of this bond defines the film and acts as its greatest attribute. However, there is a lot of fault and lack of style that pushes the production into the realm of unwatchable.
With the camera focused on the daily routine of a young student through a hand held camera with only the sounds of the home, the short is presented in its raw form. Lackluster and devoid of entertainment value, the approach makes for a tedious watch with little to engage the audience. Adding to the drudgery, all footage is within a single room that is visually busy due to being lived in by a large family unit. Unfortunately, the film struggles to offer anything engaging beyond trying to appeal to an audience that will find daily interaction endearing based on their personal experiences.
The title is certain to raise a few questions, possibly perceived as insensitive. However, the term “Thank God! To Give This Pandemic” feels aimed at giving thanks to the strength and support of family as well as human ingenuity to adapt to some dire situations. Since this is hard to convey without seeing the short, a different title would better serve the production, since taken at face value it seems insensitive to the struggles felt worldwide. To the credit of Petrus Kristianto, he is able to convey his faith and thankfulness within the minimalistic approach under a misleading name.
“Thank God!” touches on the importance and family and how those relationships have transformed with the pandemic. However, the execution is more home movie than cinematic experience and is not likely to appeal to those outside of the family portrayed. Touching? certainly, but lacking in any real value the production is best kept as a personal video for uncle and nephew to cherish.
