'Alarm' a short film by Jamie Church

Alarm is a two-minute short film that follows the repetitive daily predicament of the main character, Jake. Set in the near future, Jake lives within a harsh, brutalist urban environment that feels oppressive, monotonous, and drained of colour. His waking life is defined by routine, isolation, and an overwhelming sense of stagnation, reinforcing the emotional weight of his surroundings.

In contrast, when Jake falls asleep, he is transported into a dream world that exists as the complete opposite of his reality. These dream sequences are vibrant, fluid, and emotionally charged, offering moments of freedom and escapism from his rigid day-to-day existence. The dreams act as a temporary refuge, highlighting Jake’s subconscious desire for something more meaningful beyond the confines of his environment.

The film is structured cyclically, beginning and ending with the same routine, to immerse the audience in Jake’s experience and emphasize the inescapable nature of his daily life. By aligning the viewer closely with Jake, the audience is encouraged to experience his exhaustion, longing, and brief moments of relief firsthand. Visually, the film relies on a drastic shift in tone, colour, and atmosphere between reality and sleep, creating an immediate and recognizable contrast that helps distinguish the two worlds while reinforcing the emotional core of the narrative.

Written By Ellen Faulkner