In Jonathan Becker and Anthony Pitsilos’ short film, Hermie, an ocean scientist, Henry (Mike Schminke), is nervously rehearsing his speech in the hotel restroom. Appearing mysteriously from the restroom plumbing is Henry’s pet hermit crab from childhood, Hermie (Ron E. Rains), with dire news. Hermie’s natural habitat is being destroyed to build some beachfront development. Hermie has an important ask of Henry.
“…Hermie’s natural habitat is being destroyed to build some beachfront development.”
Hermie is about as simple and efficient as you get with a short film. It takes place inside a hotel restroom, and directors Becker and Pitsilos navigate the angles masterfully. Yet, the spotlight of Hermie is the animated crab, and the little guy is impressive. I’m still guessing whether it’s a stop-motion animation puppet or if he’s completely computer generated. Suffice it to say, Hermie looks great, and the voice acting from Ron E. Rains brings him to life.
Running at eleven minutes, Hermie gets in and quickly hits on the theme that can apply to almost any crisis…the environment in this case. Henry is the guy who would rather talk about a crisis rather than do something about it, which leads to an interesting and even heartbreaking ending. Take heed, if you’re going to make me think deeply about myself, then make it fun, and that pretty much sums up Hermie.
