Introduction:
My film KEYS is a short drama centred on a tense, intimate reunion between two former partners, Rachel and George. Set almost entirely within a single flat, the film explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup through sharp dialogue, awkward humour, and unresolved feelings. Created as a character-driven short, KEYS uses confined space and real-time interaction to unpack themes of love, jealousy, and closure. What begins as a simple search for something lost quickly becomes a confrontation neither of them expected.
Inspiration:
KEYS is loosely based off my experiences in past relationships & a specific mature experience I had post one of them, which transformed into the idea for KEYS. Looking at those messy, unresolved moments that happen after relationships end—when emotions don’t neatly disappear. I wanted to explore how two people who once knew each other so well can still misunderstand each other completely. The concept grew from observing how small, everyday situations—like returning to a familiar space or holding onto a spare key—can carry emotional weight.
The film also draws on the awkward humour that often exists alongside conflict. In the script, arguments quickly shift into jokes, confessions, and even roleplay, reflecting how people use humour to cope with discomfort. Ultimately, KEYS is about the grey area between holding on and letting go, and how closure is rarely as clean as we expect.
The Process:
KEYS was filmed over a single day on 29th March in a London flat, following an intensive period of preparation outside all of our crew’s day or freelance jobs. Two months prior to the shoot, my cinematographer and I spent several hours breaking down the script, carefully planning how each moment would be framed and how best to maximise the emotional impact within a limited timeframe for 10 hours.
The production was completed without a formal budget, relying on the generosity and collaboration of trusted industry peers. With this in mind, efficiency and respect for everyone’s time were central to the approach. Day before the shoot included a rehearsal, costume fitting, lighting tests, and the first in-person meeting with the cast.
The script itself was designed with these constraints in mind, ensuring the story could be executed within a single day without compromising performance or visual quality. One of the main challenges was beginning the shoot with the film’s most complex and emotionally demanding sequence. However, capturing this early proved invaluable, allowing the remainder of the day to be approached with confidence.
A notable behind-the-scenes detail is the dance sequence, despite being edited as if together, Aaliyah & Louis performed individually, reinforcing the characters’ emotional disconnect despite their physical proximity.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
Being selected as a finalist at the Worcester Film Festival is immensely rewarding. It serves as meaningful recognition of the work invested in a small, character-driven project, and affirms that intimate, personal stories can resonate with audiences. Beyond the accolade, it presents an opportunity to share KEYS with a wider audience and engage with a community of filmmakers.
On a personal level, the recognition is particularly significant. Having grown up in Worcestershire and attended the festival’s inaugural edition, returning with a film for its sixth year is both fulfilling and deeply meaningful, marking a tangible sense of creative and professional progression.
Where to Watch / Follow:
Follow me on Instagram @keysshortfilm2026, @benjaminjackwilliams & @mikebrindley for updates & stills for the film – film is only available to screen at Festivals currently
About The Author
