1960s. Arden is an introvert kid who was brought up in a strict Catholic orphanage. Insecure about his voice, he pretends to sing during choir practice. With the arrival of Mr. Stevens, the new music teacher, his farce is discovered and the duo starts to work together. As the boy becomes more confident with his singing, a friendship is formed. But a stern Mother Superior notices changes in Arden's behavior and, concerned with his attachment to the teacher, breaks them apart. Abandoned once more in his life, Arden will struggle to find his own voice.
Acting
Beres's wordless face speaks entire novels
Direction
Huang frames desire in shadows and sacred spaces
Sound
The silence IS the performance—devastating choice
Director
Song Huang
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Boys' choirs have long served as coded spaces for queer intimacy in cinema—this short weaponizes the tradition against itself.
The 20-minute runtime mirrors Arden's truncated childhood: just as you're invested, it's ripped away. Cruel formal brilliance.
US
