Movie Short Review: ‘The Sentry’

by | Jun 8, 2025 | Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. Consequences. Actions have consequences whether referring to a super-spy, a first grader, or a politician. Of course, some consequences are more extreme than others, as this action-comedy-drama from writer-director Jake Wachtel shows.

Versatile actor Daniel Raymont stars as super-spy Agent Blackwood, whose name we learn through his communication with headquarters just prior to his mission. Even the Chapter One title, “Discretion Agent Blackwood” relays the not-so-subtle message that he’s not a man of finesse known for quietly and peacefully accomplishing anything. We witness this firsthand as he ziplines into a secure facility in Cambodia and takes out the two security guards (sentries).

One of the guards … the one named Termite (Dara Phang) … appears as a spectral presence to Blackwood. In Chapter Two, “Welcome to the Family”, the two strike a mutually beneficial deal that requires they travel together to meet with Termite’s family. We learn it’s Termite’s closely-held memories that prevent him from fading away until the deal is complete.

Chapter Three, “Ice Cream Jingle” provides a fitting and surprisingly touching conclusion to this seventeen-minute short film … one that quickly makes us care for the people after tricking us into expecting an action-packed drama. I’m constantly impressed with the way a talented filmmaker can tell so much story in such a short time frame.

Following its World Premiere at SXSW, THE SENTRY is set to screen at SXSW London (June 2-7), Raindance (June 18-27) and Palm Springs International ShortFest (June 24-30).

David Ferguson
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