OnScreen Review: "Naughty Neighbours"

Director Chris Di Staulo’s short film ‘Naughty Neighbours’ deserves at least two or three viewings.

There’s a lot going on, and a great deal is said in what is not being said but highlighted. I found the second viewing led me to see why the film is aptly and appropriately titled.

In the cinematic style of Quentin Tarantino, Brian DePalma’s 1980’s ‘Dressed to Kill’ and Terence Young’s film version of ‘Wait Until Dark’, Di Staulo and Elizabeth Harris’s ‘Naughty Neighbours’ becomes an adoring homage to these three directors who helped to shape the ‘edge of your seat’ white knuckled thriller of the 70s and the early 80s.

And it’s a hell of a ride for such a short duration. I wished the film was longer as excitement and intrigue were built quickly with a crime of kidnapping quickly established after a mix up of luggage picked up at the airport combined with a soupçon of heightened and bursting sexual chemistry, robbery and illicit drugs. 

The setting is the 70s. Set Decorator and Wardrobe Stylist Elizabeth Harris has realistically captured that 70s look from the costumes of Heather’s low-cut flowery blouse to Brian’s open collared shirt unbuttoned down his chest with the gold chain around his neck. The shell shaped chair was perfect.

Daniel Everitt-Lock’s work as Director of Photography nicely captured that look and feel of the era similar to what these three iconic film directors created. In this short film, I loved the initial focus on the glass at the beginning as Heather placed ice cubes in it followed by a shot of hard liquor.  I also liked the focus on the stereo that played such iconic tunes from that era such as ‘Shake Your Groove Thing’ and ‘Roller Coaster’.

As central characters Heather and Brian, Casey McMahon and Sean Meldrum authentically become embroiled in a momentary lapse in judgement which quickly spirals out of control with the film concluding in a ‘turn up the heat’ passionate moment of sexual tension and intensity.  

This ‘Naughty Neighbours’ hooked me but needs to be fleshed out further for a feature film. I hope both Chris Di Staulo and Elizabeth Harris do select to make it so.

Still Photo from ‘Naughty Neighbours’ by Director of Photography: Daniel Everitt-Lock.