Riveting short films starring Hollywood superstars that you need to watch right now

A great short film engages, involves and affects us deeply. Despite a limited runtime, they must establish character arcs, furnish a world that’s only too familiar and knit a gripping plot all at once. Perhaps, it’s the challenge of pulling it all off that draws even stars from tinseltown to take a stab at them. Here are short films starring some of Hollywood’s best that can be streamed on ShortsTV.

Out of darkness

Starring Tom Hiddleston, Christine Bottomley, Andrew Gower and Riz Ahmed, this short narrates the aftermath of death and how one processes the setback. Nine different voices strive to construct the events that lead to one’s passing and how this event deeply and profoundly altered them and those around them. Written and directed by Manjinder Virk, Out of darkness won the Best Short Film at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival.

Watch it here. 

That Night (2013)

James Corden may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of a mushy romcom featuring a meet cute. But this short starring Corden and Alexandra Roach might just change your opinion of the talk show host and vehicular vocalist. The film revolves around a chance encounter on a London bus where two passengers get chatting about their choice of music. When the bus pulls into the route’s final destination, the woman (unfamiliar with the city) has missed her stop by “miles”. Luckily, her co-passenger agrees to help her out and the conversation never stops as they traverse The Old Smoke on foot. This is the kind of feel-good watch that could lift your mood instantly.

Watch it here. 

Picture Paris

The comedic genius of Julia Louis-Dreyfus has rarely featured in short films. In Picture Paris, the Veep star plays a suburban mom who grapples with the empty feeling when her son moves out to attend college. To kill boredom and perhaps, seek gainful motivation to carry on, she embarks on a trip to Paris. The events that unfold during this trip could have life-altering ramifications. The French capital has forever been depicted through a rose-tinted lens, making it a suitable setting for romantic escapades. But it’s also often portrayed as a city where a woman can be left to her devices… to shop, gulp down wine and navigate the cobblestone streets that lead to enchanting adventures. Without giving away spoilers, let’s just say this film doesn’t subscribe to this idyllic and almost superficial image of Paris.

Watch it here. 

Inseparable

What’s better than casting Benedict Cumberbatch in a short film? Getting him to play a double role in the said film could be a promising option. And that’s just what you get in Inseparable, a heart-breaking short that moves you beyond measure in just 11 minutes. The film revolves around Joe, a family man who discovers that he’s inflicted with a fatal condition that he’s likely to succumb to. In order to care for his family, he decides to turn to his twin Charlie, a homeless wastrel who also happens to be an alcoholic. Cumberbatch packs conviction in both roles and this short makes for a compelling family drama that is equally crushing as it is rewarding.

Watch it here. 

Well that's the List of riveting short films that have Hollywood stars that you need to watch right now on Shorts TV. Thats a wrap on this episode of List hai toh hit hai, until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Kunal Guha