By Mark Hockley
A highly unusual comedic drama with a magical twist.
Becca Blackwell plays Paul, who after praying to God is given a miraculous gift. His hands are imbued with mystical powers. He can pull things from the ether into reality, whether it be a ring or a rabbit out of a hat. Later on, a rabbit also appears from somewhere else entirely, to humorous effect.
The premise invites an obvious question. Why doesn’t Paul fully exploit this divine gift? He seems less interested in the possibility of personal gain and is really only searching for meaning.
Bizarrely, Paul’s hands also make him an object of desire, as he offers extraordinary sexual satisfaction, regardless of gender.
Blackwell delivers a compelling performance, bringing depth and gentle awkwardness to the role. His expressive features, curly red hair and beard make for a striking and memorable screen presence.
Written and directed by Walker Higgins, this short film boasts a truly distinctive voice. At just over 14 minutes, the story ends somewhat abruptly, leaving the sense that there’s more left to explore. There’s real potential here for expansion, perhaps even into a feature-length project.
In any case, I found it to be amusing, strange and entertaining. A polished and imaginative piece well worth your time.
God’s Lonely Magician screened as part of the Midnight Mash-up program at the Tribeca Film Festival 2025.
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