The Wilted Rose

The Wilted Rose is a 2023 Australian live-action short film written and directed by Elise Lamb.

The film was produced by Lamb and Madison Sturgess in partnership with not-for-profit organisation The Centre For Women & Co. with cinematography by Jake Koning, production design by Jodie Taylor, an original score by Adrian Diery and film editing by Nadya de Vos.

The film had its world premiere screening in competition at the Brisbane International Film Festival where it won Best Brisbane Short Film.

The film was also a 2023 contender for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award (AACTA) for Best Short Film.

Plot
A musically gifted woman attempts to leave an abusive relationship with dire consequences.

Cast

 * Kirsty Sturgess as Bryony
 * Matthew Scully as Ed
 * Pacharo Mzembe as Joseph

Funding
The film was funded by the Logan City Council's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and received the Brisbane Women's Club's Charitable Giving Grant. The film was also successfully funded on Kickstarter and sponsored by Delaney & Delaney Solicitors.

Filming
The film was shot on location in Logan City, Queensland, Australia over three days.

Music
The score was composed by Adrian Diery and titled Vals Wouj which is Haitian Creole that translates to Red Waltz in English, a tribute to Kirsty Sturgess' heritage.

Critical response
Script coverage from Slamdance Film Festival stated "In just a few pages, Elise has created a lot of tension between the couple and represented very well the different aspects of an abuser. The psychology of the characters are very well explored".

Upon winning Best Brisbane Short Film at the Brisbane International Film Festival the Jury stated "The Wilted Rose is a haunting, disturbing and impactful film that challenges audiences to sit with the confronting issue of domestic violence and coercive control. The film is powerfully profound in its structure, imagery and message. A must-see".