In an era that’s seemingly focused on producing excessively long films (i.e., over 120 minutes), the short film industry brings a welcome reprieve. Of course, the arguable downside of the medium is the potential limitations brought upon filmmakers and audiences alike by the notably short run-time. The merits of variable film lengths could undoubtedly be an article in and of itself, but the fact of the matter is that, if well done, I genuinely believe that a short film can be as impactful as a feature length film, if not more so.

Louisa Connolly-Burnham’s Sister Wives is a perfect example of such a production. Initially introduced to devoutly religious couple, Jeremiah and Kaidence, we watch Kaidence’s surprise when her husband tells her that they will be introducing another woman to their marriage. Though Kaidence is clearly displeased by this, it is increasingly obvious how little control she has within her own household and realise that this polygamous marriage is an acceptable arrangement within their community. However, following the arrival of the sister wife Galilee, the two women (/girls?) develop a kinship which further blossoms when Jeremiah is called away from their house for religious business.

The storyline is a mélange combining the polygamous, religious aspects of Netflix documentary Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey and the innocent budding sapphic romance from Celine Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire. The relationship between Kaidence and Galilee is stunningly complex. They begin as rivals; competing wives of a man who holds all the power in their confined lives. However, the two women soon realise they have so much more to gain from being allies. While their relationship, and entire existence, is of course underscored by their religion, their experiences are wholly female. They bond over shared negative sexual experiences as so many women have done so before them (albeit rarely over the same man to whom they are both still married). More than this, as they develop the trust between them they are able to share their belongings, their skills, and eventually the marital bed. Though intended for a man and one of his wives, it is strikingly clear that the experiences shared by the two women within this bed are far closer to heaven than either have felt with their husband.

While undoubtedly the romantic and sexual elements are the main drivers of the storyline, it is the girlhood wonder that the two find within one another that I found most captivating. It is also a seemingly innocent display of friendship that draws the attention of other women within their community. Cool waters of an afternoon swim give way to the incoming tide of religious oppression. I will not speak further on the plot for fear of ruining it for potential viewers, I will just say that it is an ending that is worth watching.

It is not really my place to speak on the accuracy of the portrayal of romantic female love, especially within such a unique societal setting. I have seen reviews online speaking to elements of the film that felt disingenuous. Conversely, the film has won multiple awards, including for its representation of LGBTQIA+ characters. Therefore, I will leave it to the viewer to draw their own conclusions on this front.

What I can speak to however, is the power of female friendships and the love found within them. Throughout my adult life my female friendships have been the strongest, most reliable form of safety that I could imagine. The actions of the women in my life have testified to the magic of female-to-female connection and how constantly astounding these are in comparison to the other, contrastingly weak, forms of connections we are too often offered. Platonic is a word that I don’t feel accurately represents the relationships that we provide each other. We are each others confidantes, advisors, and witnesses. We provide confirmation that none of us are alone in our experiences, and that there is someone there to confide in and seek comfort from. We have an understanding of each other that no (cis) man – no matter how kind, empathetic, and intelligent – will ever understand. We are family, we are friends, and we are lovers. At the end of the day, we are all we have got. Sister Wives does an incredible job of extracting the female experience, enhancing it with religious and cultural aspects that make it extraordinary and intense, and distils this into a moving and intriguing 29 minute film.