Nida Manzoor’s 7.2 is nothing like the coming-of-age films you’ve seen before. This short is chock full of colorful language, rock music, and a serious amount of ass-kicking. Set in a British boarding school, Manzoor’s gender twist on the action genre and take on teen-comedy makes for an energetic and entertaining watch from beginning to end.

The short follows a teenage girl ‘Cleo’, played by Cheryl Burniston, in a classic amnesia plotline wherein she forgets who she is and discovers that she has the uncanny ability to knock people to the ground. And it’s a good thing too, because the scariest mean-girl, ‘Daisy’, has threatened to disembowel her if she doesn’t give her what she wants by noon. Be prepared for blood.

Manzoor elaborates: “I was inspired by the Bourne Identity and general amnesia trope in action movies because in some way every teen is Jason Bourne – you don’t know who you are and everyone is trying to mess you up.”

Self-discovering is a central theme throughout 7.2, particularly in how Cleo has to face one obstacle after another to literally and metaphorically figure out who she is… and avoid physical mutilation. Between well choreographed fight sequences and perpetual teacher-dodging, it almost seems like a fruitless task. But as in any great action film, the hero always has a sidekick and Cleo’s is ‘Ma’ and their dynamic will definitely lighten the mood. Manzoor’s dialogue writing is sharply hilarious and her use of foul language is strangely charming — though, it might just be the British accents. Let’s just say that Manzoor is definitely not afraid to get a PG-13 rating for ‘Strong Language’ and leave it at that. 

While it’s a known fact that the action genre has been male dominated since its inception, more and more female-lead action films have emerged, much to our delight. 7.2 is certainly a crowd pleaser in that respect, but with a more sophisticated commentary. In Manzoor’s short, the girls are violent and intimidating, not only beating up on each other but also the boys who comically fear the aforementioned ‘Daisy’ despite her braided pigtails. This reversal of gender norms in action films is smartly manipulative and the sheer amount of badass is all together fun to watch.

Manzoor is currently working on her first feature with Parkville Pictures while 7.2 is currently in development with Big Talk Productions (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim) to be adapted to TV series. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing that!