We probably already wondered about it. Is there a soul that transcends after death or does it die with its host? Some of us would go for the first option while others take the more rational option. In Laboratory Conditions, the clash between those two opinions is the centre of the attention. Jocelyn Stamat’s latest short film proves that it doesn’t matter how long (or in this case: how short) the movie is. As long as it has a superb story like this one, it will become a great movie.

Jocelyn Stamat’s latest short film proves that it doesn’t matter how long (or in this case: how short) the movie is. As long as it has a superb story like this one, it will become a great movie.

Emma Holloway (Marisa Tomei), a doctor working on the emergency floor, learns that one of her elderly male patients has been clandestinely transported by an ambulance into an unknown laboratory. As an experienced and excellent doctor, Holloway decides to step into the lab and discover a whole new but dark world for her. She encounters Dr. Marjorie Cane, played by Minnie Driver, who’s the head of the research department. Alongside several others, she conducts a bizarre but fascinating experiment. They want to learn if the soul of the old man will survive if he dies or not. Holloway wants this experiment cancelled because of the inhuman practices but Cane is being persistent because she and her team are so close to a breakthrough. Which side will have the last call? Holloway and her medical staff or will it be Cane and her group who studying the dark side?

Right from the start, we know that Laboratory Conditions is going to be a clever and edgy film. At first, it’s not a 100% clear where the movie is heading but that makes it even better. The dark cinematography and dramatic music will make your imagination going into overdrive until you get to know what’s it all about. Stamat brings the perfect vibe to the movie. One you can only find in the hospital. In most of the films and series regarding doctors and the medical world, the technical jargon seems to overpower the story but not in Laboratory Conditions. No long, endless and not understandable words. Just easy and recognizable terms. Because of that, the movie feels very authentic, especially with the great performances from Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man Homecoming, The Big Short) and Minnie Driver (The Wilde Wedding, The Crash). Both their characters couldn’t be more different but both women are splendid and captivating on screen.

Right from the start, we know that Laboratory Conditions is going to be a clever and edgy film.

If there’s one “bad” thing about Laboratory Conditions, it’s the fact it’s not long enough. The movie grabbed our attention from the first second and we would have loved to see even more. During its 15 minutes screen time, the film became an intense and must-see one for everyone who loves dark thrillers. Or just for everyone who loves movies in general cause it’s an amazing one.

During its 15 minutes screen time, the film became an intense and must-see one for everyone who loves dark thrillers.

Just Celebrity Magazine Film and Celebrity Reporter Liselotte Vanophem