David Lynch has inspired a generation of directors and film makers ever since his debut of ‘Eraserhead’ but ultimately it is his latter movies that have truly delved into the themes so prominent for a Lynchian movie. ‘Mulholland Drive’, ‘Lost Highway’ and ‘Blue Velvet’ focus deeply on the theme of dreams, a theme shared by director Aron Randhawa.

 

Arriving home and falling asleep on the sofa, ‘Natural Darkness’ takes a surreal turn as a singer walks through the door leading the Mystery Man (Arron Dhillon) to walk through another. Upon entering he is met by a man who is alarmingly welcoming yet sinisterly creepy in addressing the mystery mans issues. Cut with the scenes of him beating his lover, the mystery man asks “Do I love her?” to which she responds, “No”.

 

Dealing with the themes of dreams and guilt, the five minute running time is both surreal and cleverly made. Aron Randhawa has done a fantastic job in creating a dreamlike film that is not just a series of events stitched together, each moment blends in perfectly with the next and has done a professional job in editing the short piece. From the dark lighting to the choice in song, 'Natural Darkness' manages to create an atmospheric and gripping short with the need for nothing more than his stella cast.

 

Randhawa has openly said that he is inspired by Lynch and this is apparent throughout, especially the surreal singing moments that flash back to ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’ yet wrapped in the theme of guilt and confusion, there is a fresh take that leads us to mark Randhawa as a creative talent to watch out for.