Lice Review (Tribeca Film Festival 2024)

By Justin D Williams

12-year-old Roshni forges a bond with the class outcast, Chakor, to keep her lice infestation a secret. The malicious lie looms large over Roshni as a friendship blossoms between them.

The story is really relatable using a situation that majority of us have either seen, heard or might have experienced in our childhood and that is dealing with lice. The bond form between the two girls and characterization is what makes this short film stand out. Gupta’s directing also adds both subtle and powerful, utilizing a minimalist approach that emphasizes atmosphere. The cinematography, marked by its muted color palette and stark contrasts, enhances the film’s mood.

"Lice" is a compelling and thought-provoking short film that showcases Vindhya Gupta’s talent as a director and storyteller. Powerful performances, and deep thematic content, and characterization of two girls trying to keep a secret. Lice is relatable and does a wonderful job getting it’s point across in it’s runtime. If you get a chance to check it out at a film festival make sure you do.