Hope. Destiny. Love. These powerful themes are difficult to weave into a film that lasts just seventeen minutes. However, Winnie Cheung, the director of “Dear Lucas”, proves that short films can pack just as intense of a punch as any feature-length movie.

For a film that begins with a gunshot, the story is moving in its desperate, persistent hopefulness. Most science fiction films that deal with time travel tend to lean toward the futility of manipulating time. No matter what actions the hero takes, time always bends back to its predetermined path. Writer Zack Marotta takes a slightly different approach to this trope, providing a fresh look at the cruel gift that is time.

This unconventional love story is elevated by the remarkable chemistry between the lead actors. From the moment they meet, the tension between Elle (Crystal Arnette) and Lucas (Douglas Rizzo Johnson) is so electric that it’s impossible not to root for them. Every image, every sound in this short pulls at your heart and implores you to leave your cynicism behind for the sake of these two lovers.

“Dear Lucas” is a beautifully shot, expertly crafted film that deals not only with hope, but taking a chance on that hope even when the risk of failure is greatest. We could all learn something from Lucas and Elle’s bravery in the face of impossible odds.

You can should watch “Dear Lucas” below on Vimeo.

For more about ‘Dear Lucas’, visit the film’s website here.

If you enjoyed Marlo’s review, you can find the rest of her work right HERE on Sci-Fi Bloggers. You can also follow her on Twitter @marloclingman, like her on Facebook, or add her to your network on Google.

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