In Synthesize Me, director Bear Damen crafts an intimate and haunting tale of grief, memory, and connection through music. Set in April 1989 in a liminal town near Mexico City, the short film follows young teenager Violeta (Ivana Plantier) as she attempts to bring her late mother’s synthesizers back to life—only to unleash disastrous consequences for both her and her father (Antonio Trejo Sánchez). Delivered in a visually striking 4:3 aspect ratio, Synthesize Me feels both classic and timeless, immersing viewers in its vintage aesthetic while maintaining an emotional core that is deeply resonant.
The film’s cinematography, helmed by Alfonso Herrera Salcedo, is nothing short of breathtaking. Memories are rendered in black and white, providing a stark contrast to the present-day narrative, while carefully framed shots paint a vivid portrait of Violeta’s world. One particularly stunning moment captures her playing the synthesizer, with only a select few keys in focus—forcing the audience to see exactly what the director intends. The exterior night shots are equally impressive, using silhouettes to add layers of texture and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the 360-degree pan during the power outage sequence is one of the most memorable visual moments of the year, effectively conveying tension and emotional depth in a single, sweeping motion.
Beyond its visual splendor, Synthesize Me thrives on its grassroots authenticity. The sound design is meticulous, with elements like the rumble of the truck grounding the story in a familiar reality. The film also understands the power of stillness, often lingering on shots just long enough to create a sense of discomfort or unease. This patience allows emotions to simmer beneath the surface, making the inevitable climax all the more impactful.
At the heart of the film is Ivana Plantier’s stunning performance as Violeta. Born in 2010, Plantier already demonstrates an extraordinary ability to bring depth and vulnerability to her characters. Here, she portrays a girl desperately seeking connection with her lost mother, using music as both a sanctuary and a means of revival. Her chemistry with Antonio Trejo Sánchez, who plays her grieving father, is palpable. Their strained relationship is masterfully developed, culminating in a heartbreaking finale.
Damen, known for his work across film and music videos, imbues Synthesize Me with a deeply personal touch. His storytelling explores the fractures in human connection—how people misread or fail to understand one another until a moment of crisis forces them to reconcile. As he describes, the town’s unstable electrical currents serve as the perfect metaphor for a father and daughter who rely on the same source yet channel it in different ways.
Ultimately, Synthesize Me is a mesmerizing, beautifully crafted short film that lingers in the mind long after its brief runtime. With stunning cinematography, an emotionally charged narrative, and a breakout performance from Ivana Plantier, it is an exceptional piece of storytelling. Even a hardened cynic might be moved by a child playing the synthesizer to connect with a lost parent—a testament to the film’s quiet yet profound emotional power.
Jessie Hobson