Fiftyish Dimitra lives in Athens with widowed mother Rea.
Dimitra has ordered a treadmill which Rea disproves of. It can’t fit in the flat unless several objects are moved so it rests out on the balcony for the time being.
We often hear families are dysfunctional but do we know what that term means? Its meaning varies in each family it resides in.
Rea is critical, domineering, manipulative, insulting, offensive, physically abusive, insensitive, inflexible, nagging, obsessive, sneaky and a liar. The sheer wall of negativity is overwhelming, choking Dimitra forcing her deeper into the corner repressing what she is and what she could be.
Dimitra’s defence is partial reaction but mostly repression of her true emotions. She loses her temper, is distant, can be cruel and when pushed to the limit revengeful.
When Dimitra pulls the knife from the drawer will that be the ultimate revenge or will the treadmill be her therapy?
Pull a psychiatrist into the viewing room and I am certain there will be some mention of Rea and Dimitra needing to express their true emotions to each other and “build a trusting relationship”. Baloney. Too late for that here.
There should be a “Treadmill the Sequel” to delve into why Rea is so destructive, bitter and hateful? In the meantime, you can be an Ultra in the football stadium cheering poor Dimitra on. It is clear she is running on empty and Rea on unlimited bitterness.
RKS 2025 Film Rating 84/100. Directorial debut of this short is by George Kimissis.
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 