In 2012, Shawn Christensen won the Academy Award for his short film "Curfew," a film that was seen throughout the awards circuit.

Two years later, Christensen has made the feature film version of the short entitled "Before I Disappear," a highly entertaining film that went on to win numerous awards in the festival circuit.

The film tells the story of Richie (Christensen), a suicidal young man who is at the lowest point of his life, owing money to drug dealers and living in a rundown apartment. When he gets a call from his estranged sister Maggie (Emmy Rossum), asking him to look after his 11-year old niece, Sophia (Fatima Ptacek), for a few hours, Richie's life changes.

Christensen's script is one of the strongest parts of the film as it easily shifts the moody tones of Richie's life with some more comedic moments that allow the film to breathe. For example, when Richie first meets Sophia, their relationship is extremely awkward and their conversations are robotic. There is an extremely dark comedic touch to it but it is also very natural.

Essentially, what could have been a depressing drama turns into a delightful dramedy. Christensen's performance is also crucial to the film as he plays Richie with so much charisma. At the beginning of the film, he imbues a sadness that is both seen in his worn-out facial expressions but also in his physical movements. However, as he interacts with Sophia, Christensen's Richie begins to smile and have a more radiant expression. There is also a nostalgic element that is seen in his confrontation with his sister, Maggie. This scene shows Christensen at his most vulnerable and one that brings Richie's character full circle.

The young actress Ptacek shows some real promise in the role of Sophia. At the beginning of the film, her performance is extremely robotic and calculated. One of the scenes that stands out is when she is reciting a poem to the school. When she finishes reciting it in English, she interrupt her teachers to recite it in Mandarin. The moment seems awkward but it also provides some comedy. The robotic expressions are also seen in the bowling alley when she refuses to leave Richie. In this scene, Ptacek is defiant and authoritative. The beauty of the performance, however, is how her character increasingly starts to show her emotions. One of the most poignant scenes is when she and her mother share a moment and she asks her mother if Richie will be back. This scene shows her at her most caring and sympathetic. Another moment is when Richie leaves her in an alley all alone. Ptacek shows the fear of a young girl who's never been alone.

Rossum also gives a bravura performance as Maggie and she showcases her most vulnerable side. Meanwhile, Paul Wesley plays Gideon, an unhinged and unpredictable bowling alley owner. His performance is quite erratic in a good way. At one moment he could be a nice guy but the next he could be savage and scary. Ron Perlman also gives a solid and understated performance as Bill, Richie's boss.

Daniel Katz's cinematography suits the style of the film as it is also unhinged. At one moment the camera could be circling around the actors and at the next there is the use of handy cam. The night exteriors showcase the colorful lights of New York City and rowdy environment. Overall it suits the chaotic nature of Richie's life.

The art direction also drives the film in very subtle ways. On one side of the spectrum, Richie's apartment is dingy, unkempt and extremely unattractive. Meanwhile, his sister's is perfectly clean, organized and showcases the beautiful New York skyline. The locations also displays the differences in their lifestyle. Richie's environments are always loud and chaotic. Meanwhile, the one scene where Maggie is shown at work, it seems it is a tranquil and orderly world. Even when she is in jail, the signs of rowdiness are lacking. Instead, it feels controlled like her lifestyle.

Overall, "Before I Disappear" is a solid directorial debut that is entertaining and worthy of all the festival praise.

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