Movie spotlight
Sredni Vashtar is a 1981 short film, written, produced and directed by Andrew Birkin, based on the short story of the same name written by Hector Hugh Munro. The story concerns a slowly dying ten-year-old boy named Conradin, who lives with his strict cousin and guardian, Mrs. De Ropp. Conradin rebels against her and invents a new religion for himself, which centres on idolising a polecat-ferret he calls Sredni Vashtar; a vengeful, merciless god. The film won the BAFTA award for Best Short Film, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
A young, sickly boy named Conradin is confined to his room due to illness, finding solace and companionship only with his pet ferret, Sredni Vashtar. When his aunt, who despises the ferret, threatens to have it destroyed, Conradin concocts a dark plan to protect his beloved pet and exact revenge.
This short film adaptation of Saki's unsettling short story was generally well-received for its atmospheric tension and dark, imaginative portrayal of a child's obsession and revenge. It captured the story's eerie tone effectively, though its brevity meant some nuances were condensed.
Praised for its dark atmosphere and faithful adaptation of Saki's story.
Noted for its unsettling portrayal of childhood fantasy and revenge.
Appreciated for its visual style and effective casting.
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Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981.
The film is based on the 1912 short story of the same name by Hector Hugh Munro, known by his pen name Saki.
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Alexander Puttnam turns in a charming performance here as the young "Conradin" who is trapped in a gilded cage by his aunt "Augusta" (Judy Campbell) for fear that his already terminal illness will worsen. Much to his indifference, she has d...