Mai Jeruom

As a parent, countless worries arise when it comes to your child’s development. Through every stage of their life, it’s your responsibility to guide them and shape them into decent human beings. But what happens if they stray from that path – if they do something so unthinkable that it shatters everything you believed about them? Recent TV hit Adolescence ignited conversations around these themes, and now, Adjani Salmon’s 2023 short film Mai Jeruom is set to deepen the discussion.

Immersing us in the lives of a family preparing for their eldest son’s court hearing, Salmon’s film focuses on a mother’s unwavering determination to believe in her child’s innocence. Yet, as the emotional strain fractures her relationships, it becomes clear that not everyone around her shares her certainty.

Jo Martin stars as Bev, a mother determined to believe in her son’s innocence, despite the evidence suggesting otherwise.

The film’s first 10-minutes unfold entirely around the family home, allowing us to form our own impressions of the young man in custody – innocent until proven guilty. Rather than cutting away to Jerome himself as he prepares for court, Salmon keeps us with his mother, father, and younger brother, their conversations offering subtle clues about his innocence. But when the story finally shifts to the courtroom, those carefully built perceptions are powerfully challenged.

It’s an impactful watch and arguably one of the most emotionally resonant shorts you’ll watch all year. While much of its power comes from the performances (more on that in a moment), the film’s success is also rooted in Salmon’s meticulous attention to detail. It’s the small, carefully crafted moments that make a big difference: the recurring glances at family photos, younger brother Michael googling whether he can hug someone during a prison visit, or the pastor recalling how a young Jerome once stole from the collection plate. These seemingly minor elements collectively paint a rich portrait of this family’s past, present, and uncertain future, making the story feel strikingly real.

Gary Beadle stars as Ruddy, a father trying to hold his family together.

Another area where Mai Jeruom excels, as hinted earlier, is in its phenomenal cast. While standout moments are easy to pinpoint – Gary Beadle’s delivery of “suppose you’re wrong” carries the emotional weight of the entire story, and Jo Martin’s gut-wrenching breakdown in court is sure to move even the most hardened viewer – it’s the collective effort of the cast, guided by Salmon’s direction, that makes the film so powerful.

Each actor adds to the film’s emotional depth. Claire Perkins conveys a grieving mother’s anger and despair with a single glance, while young actors Xirone Russell and Kai Francis Lewis bring striking complexity to their roles, often with little to no dialogue. For a director previously best known for his acclaimed comedic work on Dreaming Whilst Black, Salmon more than proves he has just as deft a hand for drama.

Ultimately, it’s Salmon’s undeniable talent, the striking performances, and the unforgettable emotions in Mai Jeruom that secured its place as a S/W selection. While the film’s craft and storytelling are solid, they follow a more conventional approach – not typically what we prioritise for an official selection. Yet, its sheer emotional power and standout performances make it an exceptional short, proving to be a compelling calling card for a director with a bright future ahead.