The Two Week Wait, a short film directed by Olivia Grant, is a powerful exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the IVF process. This project is not just a cinematic endeavor but a deeply personal journey for Grant, who draws from her own struggles with infertility. The film stars Daniel Ings and Jessica Brown Findlay, alongside an impressive supporting cast, and delves into the complex mental health challenges faced by a woman in her late thirties navigating the IVF journey.
Grant's decision to direct and write the film was influenced by a unique combination of factors. She explains, "I’ve wanted to make my own work for a while now and, like many actors, had a feature script I’d been quietly writing for a couple of years, but there was always enough acting work not to focus exclusively on writing, and I was ambivalent about what I would write about. It was COVID that changed that; firstly because it cleared time to focus on generating new work and, secondly, because it coincided with my personal struggles with IVF and its mental toll." This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity to the film, as Grant's experiences with IVF become the foundation for the story.
The film's premise revolves around a woman's dissociative experiences as she grapples with her deteriorating mental health during the IVF process. This is a universal struggle, as Grant notes, "It was only as the world opened up again, and I was able to reconnect with more women and couples, that it became clear that many elements of my mental anguish were remarkably universal. My shame around not being able to have a child and what that meant was normal; my partner’s difficulty salving that particular wound for me was perhaps predictable, and the intense sense of dissociation that permeated that period was again part of the experience for many." This universal theme is what makes the film so compelling and relatable.
The cast, including Ings and Brown Findlay, brings a depth of emotion to the screen. Ings, known for his roles in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'The Gentlemen', adds, "Oliviais a singular new voice in British filmmaking, with a lot to say on some fairly universal themes affecting many women." Brown Findlay, who has captivated audiences in 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Downton Abbey', brings a nuanced performance to the role of the woman navigating the IVF process. The supporting cast, including Fenella Woolgar, Rick Warden, and Sophie Colquhoun, further enhances the film's emotional impact.
The Two Week Wait is more than just a film; it's a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on personal struggles. Grant's decision to share her own experiences with IVF adds a layer of vulnerability and honesty to the project. The film's premiere at the Indy Shorts Film Festival marks the beginning of a journey that will resonate with many women who have faced similar challenges. As Grant reflects, "It was only as the world opened up again, and I was able to reconnect with more women and couples, that it became clear that many elements of my mental anguish were remarkably universal." This universal theme is what makes the film so compelling and relatable.
In my opinion, The Two Week Wait is a must-watch for anyone interested in the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on personal struggles. Grant's ability to transform her own experiences into a compelling narrative is a testament to her skill as a filmmaker. The film's exploration of the IVF process and its emotional toll is a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of universal struggles. As Grant continues to develop her feature-length narrative, 'Baby Mine', the impact of The Two Week Wait is sure to resonate with audiences for years to come.
