Céline Roustan
Meeting the parents is a decisive step in any relationship. Meeting a sibling, however, presents a completely different scenario, with distinct stakes, especially when it’s a sister introducing her partner to her own sister. The intimacy and deep understanding they share, can turn the situation into a much more complex interaction. This dynamic is precisely what S/W alum Hazel McKibbin (Doublespeak) explores in her new short, She Always Wins. Shot on 35mm, the film not only invites you to join the trio on this Summer day, but also immerses you in the subtle tension that unfolds between them.
“She Always Wins is about power: about giving it up because you know that if you don’t, it will be taken by force.”
While McKibbin confessed that the film is based on a past relationship of hers, its story possesses an undeniable universality, allowing viewers to potentially relate to all three of its characters. But at its core, “She Always Wins is about power”, McKibbin added. And that’s what elevates the film from a simple family or relationship drama, edging it instead into psychological thriller territory. We see Stella willingly giving up her power, with Mckibbin explaining that “it’s about making yourself small so that your partner feels big because that’s what they need for the relationship to exist peacefully”. On that fateful afternoon, through all their interactions, the director cleverly paints the picture of that couple’s dynamic, encapsulating it in the metaphor of the backgammon game they eventually play. Lola has a watchful eye, protective towards her sister, looking, almost testing the strength of their relationship.
The screenplay of She Always Wins is incredibly loaded and subtle in the themes it addresses. Stella and Luke’s relationship is particularly fascinating, especially in the way she behaves towards him, and the fact that he lets her. From the fragility of masculinity, the gender-based power dynamics and the impact of his older age, it is all subtly woven into the dialogue and performances. The presence of Lola, unafraid to ask certain questions or say certain things, completely rocks the balance they have built their relationship on.
“Shot on 35mm film, the visuals of She Always Wins are textured, tangible and rooted in Stella’s perspective.” – McKibbin discussing the visuals of her film
The cinematography, by DPs Allison Anderson (Night Swim) and Shane Sigler, creates the perfect atmosphere to compliment the peacefulness of the location, with the film texture inviting us into a universe that feels familiar, beautiful and pleasant. However, the camera movements contrast that to slowly echo the cracks in the relationship as they become more and more obvious to Lola. The dynamic between the three is so captivating: although they each test one another, Stella willingly places herself in a weaker position. Often captured through close-ups, it is only when the tension craftily climaxes that we get wider shots, revealing whether they have passed or failed the initial test.
She Always Wins premiered at the 2022 edition of TIFF and went on to be selected at various other festivals including Sundance London and the Palm Springs ShortFest, ahead of its online debut as a Vimeo Staff Pick. McKibbin is currently working on two short films – one she wrote and one she did not – that were postponed due to the pandemic. Additionally, she is also revising two feature film scripts, and working on a TV series pilot.