Synopsis

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Episodes

Reviews (5)

Set against the hauntingly beautiful coastline of Taiwan, 'Grounded' is a 15-minute short film that captures the fleeting, fragile nature of first love under the weight of societal prejudice. Kai and Hao are two high school boys who find an intense, magnetic connection during a blissful six-month period of skipping class together, exploring the sea, and sharing whispered secrets. But their bubble of freedom bursts when the eyes of their classmates turn judgmental, forcing Hao to confront the harsh reality of homophobia in their community. As Hao withdraws, Kai must grapple with not only the loss of his first love but also the recent death of his mother. Through tender, tactile cinematography and raw performances, the film paints a devastating portrait of how external pressures can shatter an otherwise perfect bond, leaving one boy stranded in a world where the sea he once wanted to marry now feels impossibly far away. A poignant, compact gem that lingers long after its final frame.

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Short Film

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5.7

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moonlit_dreamer

March 2025

9/10

I'm absolutely shattered in the best way. Kai and Hao's chemistry is so pure and devastating—I felt every stolen glance and hesitant touch. The beach scenes had me sobbing; it's criminal how much emotion they packed into 15 minutes. If you want a love story that breaks your heart and makes you believe in soulmates, watch this now.

plot_holes_anonymous

January 2026

6/10

It's pretty but frustratingly sparse. The pacing is rushed—Kai's mother's death and the breakup both happen so abruptly that I felt more confusion than catharsis. The acting is sincere, but the script needed another 10 minutes to breathe. I get what it's trying to say, but as a story, it wobbles.

aesthetic_lens

July 2025

8/10

This short is a visual feast. The way the director uses natural light, the reflection of waves on the boys' faces, and the gradual darkening palette as the story turns tragic is nothing short of masterful. Every frame could be a photograph. The ocean isn't just a setting—it's a character that mirrors their longing and loss.

woke_watcher

October 2024

7/10

A vital piece that shows how casual homophobia from peers can poison a relationship from the inside. I appreciate that the film doesn't make Hao's withdrawal a villainous act—it's a survival instinct. The only downside is the lack of any resistance or support system; it's a bit one-note in its tragedy. Still, a good conversation starter for queer youth struggling with acceptance.

music_and_melancholy

May 2026

8/10

The sound design alone makes this worth watching. The ambient crash of waves, the distant seagulls, the way silence fills the spaces between dialogue—it's an auditory hug that turns into a knife. There's a minimal piano piece near the end that perfectly underscores the despair. I wish they'd release the score; it's haunting.