Director Charles Wahl Explores Online Friendships in 'Little Grey Bubbles'

How real are our online relationships? Particularly between those that never meet in real life? This is the concept that director Charles Wahl explores in his SXSW short film, 'Little Grey Bubbles'. Recently selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick and featured on Short of the Week, it seems audiences are equally as fascinated with those questions.

Kim and Marlon were best friends, despite the fact that they only communicated online. Just before Marlon died, he sent Kim a messaging saying he had something important to tell her, and leaves her only with those three dots in a little grey bubble. To find her answer, she travels to his funeral.

Little Grey Bubbles from Charles Wahl on Vimeo.

Charles Wahl explores these modern relationships, the depth of the bond created over the internet, and its legitimacy in the eyes of others. He does this by placing Kim in the midst of Marlon’s closest family and friends, where the awkwardness in the grieving is palpable. Charles even went as far as flying lead actress Kaelen Ohm (Kim) in at the latest possible day, to enhance her isolation and disconnection from Marlon’s community in Nova Scotia.

Circulating at over 15 festivals earlier this year, the film had notable stops at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, Palm Springs International ShortFest, and SXSW. Now 'Little Grey Bubbles' can be watched in full on Vimeo.

Charles Wahl spends his time between Toronto and Nova Scotia, and works in the commercial market represented by Asymetric.