Out There

In Lucy's meticulously routine world, solitude is both a comfort and a prison. Her daily ritual—a peaceful session of reading in a neighbourhood park—is her one connection to a vibrant world she's too lonely to be a part of. But one Summer morning, an unexpected encounter shatters her carefully constructed isolation. A stranger appears, as out of place in Lucy's routine as a splash of colour in a monochrome painting. Suddenly, the park that once felt like a sanctuary becomes a catalyst for change, forcing Lucy to confront her fears and possibly embrace a life less lonely. Will this seemingly small interaction with a striking person be the key to unlocking Lucy's guarded heart, or will she retreat further into her solitary existence?

  • Rachel Pearson
    Director
    Looking Back, The Dead & Us, The Itch
  • Rachel Pearson
    Writer
    Looking Back, The Dead & Us, The Itch
  • Rachel Pearson
    Producer
    Looking Back, The Dead & Us, The Sewing Circle
  • Francesca Bentley
    Key Cast
    "Lucy"
  • Beatrice Clother
    Key Cast
    "Leah"
  • Anton Armour-Gautier
    Cinematographer
    Looking Back, The Dead & Us
  • Chris Pelling
    Editor / Colourist
    Monument
  • Emily Brooks
    Production Designer
  • Eliot de Diego Watson
    First AD
  • Oskar Augustsson
    Sound Recordist
  • Kim Angelica Head
    Sound Recordist
  • Rachel Pearson
    Sound Mixer
  • Rachel Pearson
    Co Editor
  • Chris Pelling
    Costume & Makeup
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Slice of Life, Romance, Drama, Inspirational, LQBQT+, Queer
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Brighton
    United Kingdom
    July 29, 2024
    European
    Best Actor & Best Cinematography
Director Biography - Rachel Pearson

Rachel Pearson is early on in her directorial career with her first short film, 'Looking Back' - a look at parental trauma and the father wound and how letting go can set us free from generational pain. Her future projects focus on providing real, representative stories of the forgotten ages of a woman, 35-55, and she seeks to show the world the rich, compelling, ugly and emotional stories and experiences of women from this underrepresented age bracket.

She is also a huge dreamer, a love of science fiction and horror but bringing it into her naturalistic style.

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Director Statement

"With this film, I wanted to explore the quiet yet profound complexities of solitude and human connection. Lucy's world, built on the foundations of routine and predictability, is something many of us can relate to—especially as we grow older and our lives become more isolated by choice or circumstance. I also wanted to explore how we can all be hugely impacted by the smallest of human interactions day-to-day not really ever knowing how or when we have done the same for someone else.

Lucy is a character who embodies the tension between safety and stagnation. Her carefully curated life provides comfort but also serves as a barrier to the vibrant, unpredictable experiences that make life truly meaningful. When a stranger disrupts this balance, it's not just an interruption—it's a challenge to the very walls Lucy has built around herself.

As a filmmaker, I’m drawn to stories that unfold in the spaces between words, in the silences that speak louder than dialogue. I wanted to capture Lucy’s internal struggle with a naturalistic style, where every glance, every breath, holds weight. The park, a seemingly mundane setting, becomes a battleground for Lucy’s heart—a place where she must decide whether to step out or retreat even further.

This film is not just about Lucy's encounter with a stranger; it’s about the possibility of change at any stage of life. It’s about how the smallest, most unexpected moments can become turning points, forcing us to confront our deepest fears and desires.

As I continue my journey as a director, I aim to shine a light on the rich, often overlooked narratives of women's stories that are complex, ugly, beautiful, and profoundly human. Through Lucy's story, I hope to remind audiences that it’s never too late to embrace the unknown, to let down our guard, and to find connection in the most unexpected places."