Day 3 of the 2024 El Dorado Film Festival was jammed packed with short films and features of every make and model; style and flavor. Among them was Short Film Block #2, yet another curated collection of shorts from around the world. As before, Block #2 featured an eclectic group of selections spanning various genres and telling a wide range of stories. Here is a rundown and some impressions of the EDFF’s second block.

“Wheel”

In director Honora Talbott’s “Wheel” we’re introduced the jittery Louise (Nancy Friedrich) who is a longtime Wheel of Fortune enthusiast. Hoping for a chance to appear on her favorite game show, Louise seeks the help of videographer Soph (Thea Lux) to help her shoot an audition tape. Louise is sweet yet neurotic, blowing every take with her inability to focus. But to our surprise it’s Soph who just might be the most…troubled. Things get a little loud and abrasive, but Talbott, along with writers Friedrich and Lux, still manage warmth and a few good laughs in their story. (3 Stars)

“Florence in Customer Care”

A fabulous Tiffany Trainer plays the titular lead in “Florence in Customer Care”, an absorbing psychological thriller about a quiet and reserved customer service representative who develops an irritable rash that seems to worsen with every bad encounter she has. Co-directors Jordan Sommerlad and Cory Stonebrook do a great job putting us in Florence’s skin which manages to create both empathy and unease. Meanwhile Trainer conveys her character’s insecurities and discomfort with alarming detail. Her performance is a big reason the film works so incredibly well. (4 STARS)

“Beer Club”

Five neighborhood friends gather together for the inaugural meeting of their new beer club. The club’s organizer, Dan (Vincent Sarowatz) is hoping it will be an opportunity to appreciate special craft beers. And he’s especially excited to learn that his wealthy new neighbor has agreed to come. But wouldn’t you know it, things don’t go exactly as planned. In fact, it’s pretty much a disaster. Writer-director Nate Shively’s big screen comedy influences are obvious. But “Beer Club” feels more like it’s imitating those influences rather than doing something fresh and original with them. (2 STARS)

“The Bathtub”

In “The Bathtub” exasperated Ramon (Abel Folk) sits down in a warm soothing bath when his phone suddenly rings. Annoyed, he answers the call and hears the voice of a telemarketer named Clara (Paula Jornet). He tries politely brushing her off, but her persistence leads to him angrily unloading on her. After Clara bursts into tears, a guilt-ridden Ramon apologizes. It sparks a conversation that just might change both of their lives. Writer-director Sergi Martí reveals a lot through this one phone call. And both Folk and Jornet deliver emotionally rich performances that give the audience a look beyond the simple exchange we hear. (4 STARS)

“Smoke”

Delving beyond the well-documented physical dangers of firefighting, “Smoke” offers a clear-eyed examination of the psychological and emotional traumas associated with such a high-stress occupation. It focuses on an Allen, Texas fireman named Jesse (David DeLao) who returns home after a distressing day at work. His wife Tanya (Anna Antonia) senses that something is wrong, but Jesse insists he’s fine. It quickly becomes evident he’s not. As things play out at home, director Joshua Gallas shrewdly cuts back to Jesse and his company fighting a fire. These scenes are filmed with an intense and unshowy realism that adds to the emotional heft of Jesse’s story. (4 STARS)

“Credit”

There is a lot to admire about “Credit” from the filmmaking duo of Patrick and Susan Kirton. They tell the touching story of the unlikely friendship that forms between a young pop star (Eric Mason Kirton) and a down on his luck veteran actor (Brad Maule). One’s star is skyrocketing while the other has watched his career unfairly stall. One is terrified of what lies ahead of him; the other has years of wisdom from his former life in the spotlight. The relationship that blooms is organic and authentic, driven by strong performances from Maule and Kirton. And while it may get a little melodramatic, the story has some thoughtful things to say about loyalty, respect, and giving credit where credit is due. (3.5 STARS)