Written and directed by Guy Taylor, this short drama is more chilling than some of the most notorious horror films.
Closing up The Blend Cafe for the night, Michelle (Lauren Budd) is asked for a drink by a stranger (Will Stevens) who doesn’t take the hint that he’s not welcome. As his insistence grows from calm and forceful to passive-aggressive, Michelle feels pressured to provide the extra drink, even though she needs to shut down and clean up the café.
Taylor and his actors build the dread perfectly. Starting as a breezy, lively coffee shop environment, the atmosphere soon grows awkward when the last customer refuses to leave without a drink. The fear that begins to go through Michelle’s head is palpable, all realised without saying it. Lauren Budd is fantastic, giving a realistic, anxious performance.
Will Stevens portrays the stranger with a quiet, sinister, entitled tone without going over the top. We’re never quite sure if he knows what he’s doing or is oblivious to the threatening signals he’s giving off.
One Shot of Espresso should be shown as a training vehicle to teach men how not to behave and to help them understand how their actions and tone can be perceived by women, particularly lone females. The climax is particularly powerful, with Taylor avoiding falling into a clichéd trap. It’s a short that will get under your skin and stay with you for quite a while.
ONE SHOT OF ESPRESSO will be doing the festival circuit soon.
