Time in Abeyance
The short film opens in a claustrophobic bathroom where Darren struggles to breathe, visibly anxious and close to collapse. After regaining his composure, he joins Abby-his pregnant wife-in a medical centre lobby. Darren is awaiting devastating news, and a doctor confirms that he only has four to five months to live, not enough time to see the birth of their child. The doctor suggests an experimental cryonics procedure that could preserve Darren until a cure is found, which would likely take forty years. Darren grapples with the impossible decision-either to undergo the risky procedure or live out his last months with Abby. The couple attends a cryonics support group where various perspectives are shared, with other members highlighting the challenges of long separations and the difficulties of reuniting after so much time has passed. The conversation between Darren and Abby becomes emotional as they discuss the future, with Abby arguing that even if Darren survives, their lives will have changed irreparably by the time he wakes up. Darren is torn between wanting to survive and the fear of leaving Abby alone during such a pivotal time in their lives. Throughout the film, Darren and Abby reflect on their relationship, the impending birth, and the bitter-sweetness of the limited time they have left together. As they prepare to go to the cryonics facility, Darren faces immense pressure, feeling the weight of choosing between a slim chance at survival and the certainty of spending his last days with his wife. The film concludes with Darren and Abby parked outside the cryonics facility. Abby, supportive yet heartbroken, offers Darren one last chance to decide. They share a tender moment in the car, their love for each other evident, but the final decision about Darren's fate is left unresolved as the scene fades out.
- Runtime
- 17m
- Released
- 2025
Details
Release year: 2025
Storyline
The short film opens in a claustrophobic bathroom where Darren struggles to breathe, visibly anxious and close to collapse. After regaining his composure, he joins Abby-his pregnant wife-in a medical centre lobby. Darren is awaiting devastating news, and a doctor confirms that he only has four to five months to live, not enough time to see the birth of their child. The doctor suggests an experimental cryonics procedure that could preserve Darren until a cure is found, which would likely take forty years. Darren grapples with the impossible decision-either to undergo the risky procedure or live out his last months with Abby. The couple attends a cryonics support group where various perspectives are shared, with other members highlighting the challenges of long separations and the difficulties of reuniting after so much time has passed. The conversation between Darren and Abby becomes emotional as they discuss the future, with Abby arguing that even if Darren survives, their lives will have changed irreparably by the time he wakes up. Darren is torn between wanting to survive and the fear of leaving Abby alone during such a pivotal time in their lives. Throughout the film, Darren and Abby reflect on their relationship, the impending birth, and the bitter-sweetness of the limited time they have left together. As they prepare to go to the cryonics facility, Darren faces immense pressure, feeling the weight of choosing between a slim chance at survival and the certainty of spending his last days with his wife. The film concludes with Darren and Abby parked outside the cryonics facility. Abby, supportive yet heartbroken, offers Darren one last chance to decide. They share a tender moment in the car, their love for each other evident, but the final decision about Darren's fate is left unresolved as the scene fades out.
Top credits
- Richard Barlow — Darren
- Aurora Gatwenzi — Abby
- Tessa Balaz — Group Member 2
- Rob Bertrand — Protestor