Love can have its ways of making us yearn for things we really do not think we need, but when it is forced, the ramifications could be even more profound.

You can say that is the central theme of Felipe Marinheiro’s short film “Fuck You, Cupid,” a poignant yet simple exploration regarding the complexities of love.

It follows Luna, a young lovelorn woman who will stop at nothing to regain the love that has been lost. She enlists the mystical aid of Madam Maira, a medium played by Starla Caldwell, in hopes of relighting the flames of passion with Liam. But when her wish is finally mysteriously granted, there is an unanswerable question haunting Luna: Is Liam’s love real, or is it magic?

Luna’s character is that of a true romantic who clearly loves love and longs to be loved back. This need takes her to the point of resorting to a desperate means of supernatural intervention. Madison Vice delivers a great performance as Luna. She delivers her lines in such a manner that one is absorbed in the realm of Luna’s feelings. She puts across Luna’s internal conflict so vividly that viewers do empathize with her plight.

The film turns gripping when Luna confronts Madam Maira, calling her a scam. But somewhere within her, she is really hoping that all this was true; after all, Liam’s behavior has changed. He speaks about a future with her, a future she desires but doubts could be real and only as an effect of the spell. We see the depths of Luna’s hope and despair here, all courtesy of Vice’s perfect performance.

Starla Caldwell plays the role of Madam Maira who becomes very much the moral compass for Luna. She supplies no right answers but lets Luna wrangle through her own decisions about whether to keep the spell or break it or even question if there was a spell at all. That’s what makes this movie so alluring: it makes one ponder over love and free will.

Felipe Marinheiro’s screenplay is sure to resonate well with the audience as they are placed in deep thought reflecting on their own choices in love and the certainty of their partner’s affection in return.

Shot with great skill, the film effectively captures the essence of Luna’s journey over its 10+ minute duration. Nick Szubart’s cinematography is nothing short of a treat, painting visuals and thrills of emotion into Luna’s life. Much of his use of lighting and framing pulls one right into the world of Luna, where heart desires meet doubts of the mind. The near-dreamy, classic film aesthetic for the portions of the story reflecting Luna’s fears enhances a touch of creativity that holds magic in the narrative.

Also, Theodore Ammon’s score is simply great, as it very finely treads the balance between drama and a psychological thriller. It also gives a value fitting to a mythical feel for the movie and gives meaning to its emotional landscape.

“Fuck You, Cupid” has a very loud and clear message: true love is intrinsic. This short film makes one appreciate sincerity and purity, through which love should really be understood. That is when you remind yourself that this is where real feelings really come from, and the authenticity of emotions comes first. This at all cost should not be forced or faked; lest great turmoil would give in to inner chicanery.

Thus, in the end, Felipe Marinheiro presents us with a well-crafted crafted compelling and visually stunning film that challenges viewers to consider the authenticity of their relationships.

With Madison Vice performing outstandingly on top of exquisite cinematography and exceptional music, “Fuck You, Cupid” resolves to be something spectacular about this millennia-old chase called love and its multiple dimensions.

Rating – 4/5