Baby Mine is a short thriller from writer/director Nour Wazzi about Sarah (Rachael Stirling), who gets the help of her neighbour Mike (Alex Ferns) to find her sickly daughter Etti (Grace Taylor) when she’s suddenly taken by her father (Soroush, played by Game of Thrones alum Alexander Siddig). This is a great example of how vital narrative perspective is in manipulating the audience to view the characters of the film in a certain way. Who the good guy and bad guy is changes depending on whose side of the story you’re seeing, and this changing of perspective is something Wazzi uses to create a multi-layered experience of her film.

On the surface, it initially seems like a black and white choice on whose side you’re on based on the information given and the way in which it’s presented. Wazzi cleverly makes you interrogate your own biases as a viewer by adding more nuance to the characters towards the end of the film, and as a result turns what could easily be a by-the-numbers drama into something more special and unexpected.

Siddig’s performance is my personal favourite in the film overall, as he can portray a seemingly hardened exterior at first, but also shows he has a softness to him that challenges his initial presentation. However, every performance given here is good, leaving you wanting to learn more about these characters and their journeys. It’s a Pretty Groovy rating from me!

Baby Mine is available to watch from today here on the Omeleto website.