Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead 2011
In 'Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead (2011)', Belgian director Edgard F. Grima crafts a poignant 28-minute drama that explores the quiet fractures beneath a seemingly perfect life.
Director: Edgard F. Grima
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead (2011) about?
The film centers on Lena, a woman struggling with the emotional toll of infertility as she clings to the illusion of control through training her dog. As her relationships with her husband, mother-in-law, and even her pet become strained, she confronts the disconnect between her expectations and reality, offering a raw look at personal resilience.
Who directed Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead?
Edgard F. Grima, a Belgian filmmaker known for his intimate, character-driven storytelling, directs this short drama.
Who stars in Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead?
The film stars Anna Sigalevitch as Lena, Julien Baumgartner as her husband, Claire Wauthion as her mother-in-law, and Olivier Charasson in a supporting role.
Is Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead (2011) worth watching?
While it's not rated on IMDb, this 28-minute drama stands out for its emotional depth and minimalist storytelling. Fans of character-driven films like 'Paterson' or 'Frances Ha' will appreciate its quiet power and relatable themes of unmet expectations and personal growth.
How long is Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead?
The film has a runtime of 28 minutes.
About Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead (2011) — A short drama on hope, disappointment, and the quiet unraveling of a perfect life
In 'Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead (2011)', Belgian director Edgard F. Grima crafts a poignant 28-minute drama that explores the quiet fractures beneath a seemingly perfect life. The film follows Lena, played with heartbreaking subtlety by Anna Sigalevitch, as she navigates the emotional weight of unfulfilled expectations after a year of trying—and failing—to conceive a child. Surrounded by a loving husband (Julien Baumgartner), a supportive mother-in-law (Claire Wauthion), and the comforting routine of training her puppy, Lena's world begins to unravel not through dramatic outbursts but in the silent spaces between these relationships. Grima's minimalist approach amplifies the film's themes of societal pressure, identity, and the gap between personal dreams and reality, all set against the backdrop of a cozy yet stifling domestic life.
As Lena's hope dwindles, she channels her frustration into obsessively training her dog, a metaphor for control and surrender in the face of life's unpredictability. The short's restrained atmosphere—tinged with melancholy and a touch of dry humor—makes 'Sit, Roll Over, Play Dead' a quietly powerful meditation on resilience and the messy, human ways we cope with disappointment.