Dress is a 2013 American short drama film directed by Henry Ian Cusick, who also stars in the lead role. The film was written by Cusick and Susan Soon He Stanton and produced through HenryJoe Productions. Shot in Hawaiʻi, the film explores grief, family, memory, and acceptance following the death of a wife and mother.
The film marked Cusick's directorial debut and premiered at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) in 2013, where it received the Audience Award for Best Short Film.
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Synopsis
After the death of his Hawaiian wife, Maile, widowed father Ben Granger struggles to cope with his grief while caring for his two sons. Finding comfort in wearing one of Maile's dresses, Ben's unusual way of mourning creates confusion and tension within the family, especially with his teenage son Koa.
As father and son confront their pain and misunderstandings, the family learns to accept grief, memory, and the different ways people find healing.
Cast
Henry Ian Cusick as Ben Granger
Asher Abraham as Jonas Granger
Ho'Ano Au as Koa Granger
Riley Graves-Lock as Lika
Maile Holck as Margie
Loretta Ables
Moana Lum
Margaret Jones
Kordell Kekoa
Celia Kenney
Hermenigildo "Junior" Tesoro
Valerie Watanbe
Production
Dress was written and directed by Henry Ian Cusick, who also portrayed Ben Granger.
Susan Soon He Stanton collaborated on the screenplay. The film was produced by HenryJoe Productions, with producers including Cusick, Annie Cusick Wood, Brent Anbe, Angela LaPrete, and Matthew B. Locey.
The film was shot in Hawaiʻi and featured a cast made up of local actors.
Music and cinematography
Don King served as cinematographer.
Mitchell Sinoway edited the film. The music included contributions from Michael Giacchino and Grant Lee Phillips.
Release
Dress premiered at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival in 2013 as a North American premiere selection.
Following its HIFF premiere, the film screened at additional independent film festivals throughout the United States, including the Fargo Film Festival, Pasadena Film Festival, Sedona International Film Festival, Peace on Earth Film Festival, Durango Film Festival, and USA Film Festival.
Reception
The film received positive attention from independent film reviewers for its emotional storytelling, performances, cinematography, and exploration of family grief.
Chicago Stage Standard reviewed the film during its Peace on Earth Film Festival screening, praising Cusick's direction, the performances, cinematography, musical score, and emotional portrayal of a family coping with loss.
Awards and festivals
Dress received recognition at multiple independent film festivals.
At the 2013 Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, audiences selected Dress as the winner of the Audience Award for Best Short Film.
At the Peace on Earth Film Festival, the film received Best Short Narrative recognition.
The film also received recognition at the USA Film Festival.
Legacy
Dress established Henry Ian Cusick as a filmmaker in addition to his acting career. It was his first major directing project and was followed by later directing work, including the short film Salvador.
Notability
Dress has received recognition through independent film festivals, reviews, and filmmaker coverage.
The film is notable for:
being Henry Ian Cusick's directorial debut;
receiving the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Audience Award for Best Short Film;
receiving Best Short Narrative recognition at the Peace on Earth Film Festival;
receiving recognition at the USA Film Festival;
screening at multiple independent film festivals across the United States.