Watch The Haircut

The Haircut is a heartwarming short film released in 2007. This 22-minute long movie is directed by Tamar Halpern and Chris Wilcha. The narrative revolves around a little girl, Sadie (Melaena Cadiz), who is determined to cut her own hair. The opening sequence shows Sadie staring into the mirror, pondering the prospect of a haircut. Her mother, Carol (Jacqueline Thuener-Rego), walks in and tries to talk Sadie out of it. Sadie, however, is undeterred and proceeds to cut her hair, resulting in an uneven mess. Her mother is shocked and Scolds her daughter for such an impulsive decision.

The film takes a fun turn when local barber Mr. Pat (Ivo Velon) is called in to fix the botched haircut. Sadie is hesitant at first, as she is worried about the barber cutting too much of her hair. Mr. Pat, however, reassures her that he will only cut an inch which already amazes Sadie. Alongside the quirky yet lovable character of Mr. Pat, he works his magic and fixes Sadie's hair, whilst telling her endearing stories about his life.

As the haircut progresses, Sadie starts to open up and bond with Mr. Pat. Carol sees this connection and is impressed with how patient and kind Mr. Pat is with Sadie. The little girl is so engrossed in Mr. Pat's stories that she forgets all about her new haircut.

The Haircut is a brilliant exploration of the anxiety that children might feel about their appearance. The film shows how a simple haircut has the potential to become a daunting experience for a child as it's a way of them asserting their independence. Through the lens of Sadie and Mr. Pat's interaction, the film shines a light on the importance of empathy and patience towards children.

The casting for the short film is perfect. Melaena Cadiz convincingly portrays Sadie's eagerness and emotional vulnerability. Jacqueline Thuener-Rego's performance as Sadie's not-so-happy mother is both funny and empathetic. Ivo Velon shines as Mr. Pat, the enigmatic barber that can put anyone at ease with his stories and humour.

The Haircut's production design and cinematography also deserve applause. The blend of naturalistic lighting and the use of handheld camera work provides the film with an intimate feel. The shaky handheld work of the camera feels like we are let into the reality of the character's space.

In conclusion, The Haircut is a delightful movie that will leave the audience feeling emotional and satisfied. It's a brisk, heartwarming, and feel-good short that does not waste a minute of its runtime. The film explores themes like independence, body image issues, and empathy towards children through the bond formed by Sadie and Mr. Pat. This film is widely available on online streaming platforms and is a must-watch for anyone that enjoys heartwarming stories.