Black Oasis

Filmmaker Andrew Lewis' dramatic short Black Oasis focuses on Emily and Christine, friends since preschool who wind up taking different paths as teens. Although Christine (Susanna Lewis) has grown up and moved beyond the self-destructive activities she and Emily (Amber Brooke Wallace) used to engage in, Emily is having a rough time coping with some painful situations in her life (such as her parents' divorce, her father's lack of attention, and her eroding relationship with her mom). Unfortunately, Emily's new friend Amber—who isn't clearly defined as real or imagined—encourages Emily's self-pity, drug abuse, cutting, and eventual suicide attempt. While this could serve as a solid discussion starter for religious groups, nowhere on the DVD jacket is the Christian nature of the program made clear, and the program ends with several unanswered questions that only become somewhat clearer after reading the PDF-accessible study guide included on the disc. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (L. Stevens)