It seemed appropriate to preface the short film title “Watching” with the name of Sullivan Styles, its 21-year-old writer-director-composer-cinematographer. However, that is not just because otherwise the title would seem confusing–it is because obviously, without Sullivan Styles’ life and unique vision, the poems, music, and personality behind this film would not exist.
The quasi-documentary Watching has a novel concept behind it, in which Sully attempts to translate his old notebooks from freshman year to convey what his depression and suicidal ideation felt like then. The film runs astray of this goal a bit and ventures into stand-up and musical territory, but I didn’t really mind. Sullivan Styles as a whole is a talented wordsmith and tunesmith, and I was willing to follow him down the rabbit hole. A good reason to call this film Watching is it becomes very difficult to look away from Sully’s extremely intimate and honest self-portrait, including candid conversations with his therapist and even a moment where he confesses his suicidal thoughts to his mother.
With its painfully honest moments Watching does feel a little voyeuristic at times, but in a healthy way where it is both cathartic for Styles and relatable to many viewers who have struggled with their mental health.
You can “watch Watching” in the virtual festival’s Shorts Block No. 4, the Youth in Mental Health Shorts Block, for FREE from now through 11/2: Watching | Shorts Block No. 4 – Youth In Mental Health | Mental Filmness 2025 Virtual Festival
Cast your virtual ballot, and tell us what YOU think!
