‘Mesopotamia, TX’, written and directed by Lucy Gamades, is a delicate, atmospheric short that leans into the quiet, almost magical moments that life sometimes offers us if you’re patient enough to notice.

Undoubtedly, the fact that this film was filmed during a real solar eclipse is interesting to note. It goes further to confirm that there are stories all around us always and the beauty and challenge lies in how we choose to tell these stories.

It stars Nicky Maindiratta and Megan Greener and tells a deceptively simple story of two strangers who encounter each other while waiting to see a solar eclipse amid a crowd of eclectic Texans.

I feel that beneath this simplicity lies layers of meditation on human connection, fleeting encounters, and the cosmic coincidences that shape our lives. Lucy Gamade’s writing and direction feel both restrained and purposeful. She allows the natural phenomena and the natural awkwardness of strangers to guide this brief narrative. There’s an intimacy in the way she captures the anticipation and quiet tension of the crowd, particularly between Maindiratta and Greener’s characters. Their performances are understated but deeply affecting. Both actors bring a calm authenticity to their roles, making you believe in the possibility of connection, even if just for a moment.

The film’s title itself is fascinating. Mesopotamia, historically known as the “Cradle of Civilization,” suggests themes of beginnings, conflict, or cultural intersections. The film’s setting in Texas on the day of an eclipse seems like a hint at blending the old with the new, tradition and
modernity.

Visually, the film is equally simple yet stunning. The eclipse isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, casting everything from the dusty Texan hills to the faces of its onlookers in a lovely yet artistic look. This seems to tie into the film’s subtle themes of blending the old with the new. The cinematography leans into this natural beauty, emphasizing wide, contemplative shots that allow the audience to feel the same sense of marvel of nature as the characters. The film is entirely shot on 16mm cameras that seem to give it a retro look and feel.

The eclectic Texans in the crowd serve as more than just background; they’re a tapestry of stories and experiences, each person bringing their own meaning to the shared event. Yet, it’s in the quiet exchanges between the two leads that the film finds its heart. Their interaction feels spontaneous, almost like a conversation you’ve overheard rather than one written for the screen.

At its core, Mesopotamia, TX is a reminder of the nature of moments. How something as vast as the cosmos can bring two people together, if only for a brief time. It’s a film that invites you to pause, to appreciate the small, often overlooked connections in life, and to recognize that sometimes, the universe conspires to remind us we’re not as alone as we think. We have to appreciate shared experiences and how they can affect our lives.

Rating: 4/5 stars