Short Film Review: ‘Divertimento’ (2020)

From the opening shot, Divertimento’s aura is both haunting and timeless. Existing among the unknown motivations of the castle (shot on location in an 18th-century French castle) and its patrons, the film largely works as an endlessly captivating thrill

A twisted game of chess leads to a personal revelation.  

Jonas Olsen (Kellan Lutz), a chess player haunted by a tragic past, is given an opportunity to participate in a mysterious game: Divertimento. 

Divertimento could have been a linear concept. Instead, writer-director Keyvan Sheikhalishahi (Nox, which we loved) crafted a challenging, intuitive experience that is guaranteed to make you hit “playback,” at least once. The mystery is shrouded in the subtle movements of a chess board and beautiful chiaroscuro from cinematographer Jean-Claude Aumont. Undoubtedly, the stellar cast, including Kellan Lutz (Twilight, Expendables) Torrey DeVitto (Chicago Ames, Vampire Diaries), Ola Rapace (Skyfall), Götz Otto (Tomorrow Never Dies), Christian Hillborg (Fleabag), Ellie Heydon (Harlots), and Brittany Gonzales, make every word from the page their own.  

From the opening shot, Divertimento’s aura is both haunting and timeless. Existing among the unknown motivations of the castle (shot on location in an 18th-century French castle) and its patrons, the film largely works as an endlessly captivating thriller. In key scenes, it works much like Casino Royale (2006), bringing the highest of stakes to a table game with some of the most brilliant intercutting I’ve seen in a short. Within the context of the film, the limited action is purposeful and fulfilling without any excess. However, when the plot ultimately moves away from the non-linear nature of its storytelling approaching the conclusion, there is much left to be desired. The exposition and re-tread of events is not only unnecessary, it eviscerates the sense of wonder and tension that filled the frames prior.  

Still, even with a weaker conclusion, Divertimento managesto be an entertaining and worthwhile ride while it lasts—at a brisk 30 minutes. The film has screened at 64 festivals, including 8 from MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 25 Festivals in the World.” Unsurprising, as this cast and crew are truly incredible and always display unbelievable craftsmanship. We can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Keyvan Sheikhalishahi; we will remember.