Welcome back, and thanks for joining me for another edition of Mubi Monday! This week we take a look at Andrea Arnold’s Academy Award winning short film…Wasp (2003).
Title: Wasp
Director: Andrea Arnold
Runtime: 26 minutes
Released: August 1, 2003 (Edinburgh International Film Festival)
Available to stream: Exclusively on Mubi
Andrea Arnold’s Wasp is a raw, emotional short film about a struggling single mom. Zoe (Natalie Press) has four kids, no money, and a chaotic life. When she runs into an old crush, Dave (Danny Dyer), things change.
Dave invites her out for a drink, and she jumps at the chance to escape her reality. There’s just one problem though, she has no one to watch her kids. Instead, she takes them along and leaves them outside the pub.
Zoe heads inside to flirt and feel carefree while her kids wait in the parking lot. They’re restless, hungry, and fending for themselves. The tension builds as Zoe’s attempt to relive her past collides with her responsibilities.
A buzzing wasp becomes a symbol for Zoe’s life, trapped, frustrated, and desperate for freedom. Things reach a breaking point when a crisis forces her to confront her choices. In that moment, Zoe realizes what really matters…her kids.
The film doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It shows the harsh realities of poverty and the pressures of single parenthood. Zoe is flawed but relatable, trying her best in impossible circumstances.
The simple plot is carried by powerful performances. Natalie Press captures Zoe’s vulnerability and desperation perfectly. The child actors add emotional weight, showing innocence amidst neglect.
Wasp isn’t polished or uplifting, but it’s deeply human. At only 26 minutes, it delivers quite a gut-punch. This Oscar-winning short will stay with you long after it ends.
If you’ve seen Wasp (2003), I want to hear what you thought of it.
Leave a comment below or reach out to me over on Bluesky!
Of course, as always, you can keep up with everything else that I’ve been watching over on Letterboxd.