Tommy is an unhappy seven year old boy who is still grieving for the death of his father, whilst battling with his new stepfather. When a moth dies in the palm of his hand he is fascinated by the residue it leaves behind - "magic dust, that helps the moths to fly" his mother tells him. Tommy becomes obsessed with moths, seeing them as the only way to escape from the conflict around and within him.
Cinematography
Macro moth imagery that feels disturbingly intimate.
Acting
Joseph Friend's hollow-eyed stillness never feels.performative.
Director
Simon Corris
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Simon Corris made this as his NFTS graduation film; it won BAFTA's Best Short Film in 2005.
The moth powder (scales) Tommy collects is real—lepidopterists know handling moths this way damages their flight ability, making his 'magic' literally destructive.
US
