Kid-Thing 2013

In the dusty, sun-baked expanse of rural Texas, 10-year-old Annie lives with her father Marvin on their goat farm, a world seemingly frozen in time with limited possibilities. Her daily life is enveloped in a sense of listlessness, as the motivation for school barely registers, and her father’s struggles with intoxication only exacerbate her feelings of isolation. Marvin, more captivated by his demolition derby endeavors and the goats than by his own daughter, leaves Annie to navigate her loneliness.

In search of excitement, she ventures into the surrounding countryside, indulging in a morbid fascination with chaos. One fateful day, while exploring the nearby forest, Annie hears a haunting cry for help. Following the disembodied voice, she discovers a dry well with a woman named Esther trapped inside. Although initially reluctant, Annie is persuaded to rescue Esther, but her skepticism about the stranger’s true motives lingers.

At home, Marvin attempts to teach Annie about hypnotizing chickens, aiming to impart lessons on unconditional love. Nevertheless, Annie’s perspective remains unchanged; she counters that the animals only respond to Marvin’s provisions. The next day, she returns to the well with gifts for Esther – sandwiches, Capri Sun, toilet paper, and even a walkie-talkie. Despite Esther’s desperate calls for adult help, Annie holds firm in her resolve.

Days turn into an obsession as Annie finds solace in her new communication with Esther, sharing updates via their walkie-talkies about her offerings. However, when Esther’s responses become cold and accusatory, Annie’s defensiveness skyrockets. A cycle of silent neglect from Esther drives Annie further into her quest for understanding.

As the oppressive silence of the well drags on, Annie continues her offerings – drinks and bananas – but meets only a wall of stillness. In a final act of frustration, she throws a firecracker into the well, yet this explosive attempt fails to provoke any reaction from Esther. It is during this emotionally charged time that Annie witnesses Marvin suffer a heart attack while tending to their goats, and shockingly, she remains frozen in place, hesitant to act.

In the haunting aftermath of this traumatic episode, Annie feels an undeniable pull back to the well. She finds herself precariously perched at its edge, her legs dangling perilously over the chasm below. In a moment of unrestrained impulse, she takes a leap into the shadowy unknown, surrendering herself to whatever darkness awaits.