“A Friend of Dorothy,” starring Miriam Margolyes, OBE, is a British short film by writer and director Lee Knight, who also served as an executive producer.
It also stars Alistair Nwachukwu, Sir Stephen Fry (“Gosford Park”), and Oscar Lloyd (“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” in the West End).
It was short-listed for an Academy Award for “Best Live Action Film,” where it already made the Top 15 (out of over 200 submission). The final five nominees will be announced on Thursday, January 22nd.
The synopsis is: Dorothy (Miriam Margolyes, OBE) is a lonely, elderly widow whose body is failing and her quiet life is upended when a teenage boy JJ (played by Alistair Nwachukwu) accidentally kicks his football into her garden. Her mind and quick wit remain as impressive as ever.
Her daily routine involves taking a variety of pills/medicine, opening cans of prunes, and doing newspaper crossword puzzles. With JJ into her life now, their unlikely yet kindred friendship thrives and blossoms.
Despite being worlds apart, the two discover they have more in common than they could ever imagine, especially a love for the arts and theatre.
Miriam Margolyes, OBE is sublime as Dorothy and she commands each scene in a controlled, sassy, and vibrant manner. She works well opposite Alistair Nwachukwu who delivers a true breakout performance as JJ; it is evident that a star is born.
Oscar Lloyd is appealing as her obnoxious, uninterested, and entitled grandson Scott.
Stephen Fry is memorable as the executor Dickie, who invites both JJ and Scott in his office for the reading of Dorothy’s will.
The title is symbolic in itself (and makes subtle references to the LGBTQ+ community, and Dorothy tells JJ the story of “The Wizard of Oz” and that Dorothy).
The Verdict
Overall, “A Friend of Dorothy” is a heartwarming, compelling, quirky, and Oscar-worthy British short by Lee Knight.
Strong performances by Miriam and Alistair give this short film its beating heart. The mutual admiration, support, love, and affection that Dorothy and JJ have for each other is quite inspirational.
Kudos to Lee Knight for writing for a rich and resonant screenplay that is raw and relatable, and for his solid direction as well. One would never know that this was his directorial debut.
“A Friend of Dorothy” is worth more than just a passing glance, and there is something in it for everyone. It garners an A rating. Well done.
