Christine Wiederkehr’s 7 Times (7 Fois) is a haunting, thought-provoking short film that lingers in the mind long after its brief 17-minute runtime. It delivers an unsettling but powerful exploration of childhood, secrecy, and the devastating impact of abuse, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.
From the outset, the film captivates with a symbolic act: Young Elio (Vidal Arzoni) traps a wasp in a jar, a poignant metaphor for his life's limitations. This opening scene subtly sets up the film’s central motifs of confinement and struggle for autonomy, echoed in his mother's life as she battles personal and financial struggles while trying to provide for her son. As an immigrant striving for a better future, she represents resilience and compassion, and her reminders to Elio hint at deeper societal themes of hardship and parental hope.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Elio, visiting his tutor Gerard's home, encounters a distraught woman (Luna Wedler), who turns out to be Gerard's secret lover. Their conversation begins innocently enough, with the boy offering her juice and a tissue, but soon shifts into something far more unsettling. As she confides in Elio about her secret relationship with Gerard, the boy, in turn, shares a secret of his own—one that initially seems too shocking to be real. The woman laughs off his confession, but the audience soon realizes, with creeping horror, that he is not joking.
The revelation is a gut punch. The film expertly misdirects expectations, allowing the weight of Elio's words to sink in only when Gerard returns home. In that moment, the reality of the boy’s situation becomes clear. The true horror is not just in the abuse itself but in how easily it is dismissed, mirroring the film’s final gut-wrenching message: "Research on the prevention of violence against children has shown that a child has to ask, on average, seven times for help until someone listens."
Wiederkehr's direction is meticulous, using sound and imagery to heighten discomfort. The overwhelming noise of a jackhammer, the incessant buzzing of the trapped insect, and the suffocatingly tight framing create an atmosphere of unease. The performances, particularly Arzoni’s portrayal of Elio, are deeply affecting. His detached mannerisms and childlike innocence make the film's revelations all the more devastating.
Ultimately, 7 Times is more than just a short film—it is a crucial social commentary. It underscores the importance of empathy and awareness in a society that often overlooks silent struggles. The film’s exploration of abuse and the power of understanding serves as a compelling call to action, urging viewers to challenge their assumptions and embrace a more compassionate approach to the world around them.
With solid cinematography, exceptional performances, and a harrowing narrative, 7 Times is a masterfully crafted, deeply disturbing, and incredibly important piece of cinema. It is a film that demands to be seen, discussed and remembered.
Jessie Hobson