David Graziano gives us the 2025 short film Say Hello and it proves that murder makes strange bedfellows. This is a splendid treat; 16 minutes of clever entertainment. Graziano acts and directs in this one from a screenplay by Kasia Skolasa and Killarney Traynor. These last two also produced and star in the film with Traynor doing triple duty as editor.
Personal favorite Christopher Di Nunzio is DP on this one. Di Nunzio does what he does best. Crisp frames with perfect lighting to set the mood. This is the “A” team right here. This is a crackerjack of a short film.
The Say Hello Story
A detective who is in “bed” with the enemy finds her perfect arrangement going sour. The local Mafioso needs her to do him a favor. One that could complicate things for her and her little family.
The Cast
David Graziano is Marconi.
Kasia Skolasa is Lt Cole.
Killarney Traynor is Eve Hathaway
Claire Aucoin is Frankie.
Let’s Talk Say Hello
Say Hello gives us an all too familiar scenario. Local cop literally “sleeping with” a crime lord. The detective has walked this tightrope so long, she feels comfortable with the arrangement. Is it a little seedy? “Did you bring the handcuffs?” Marconi asks. We’ll let you decide.
This entire film, helmed brilliantly by Graziano, is about just how far you will go to protect your real family. There is a splendid moment in the film. Someone utters an iconic line that almost everyone would like to use. It works, its funny and it perfect for the story.
The performances are spot on. Graziano is smooth and believable, as usual. His reaction to the situation is brilliant. Traynor delivers a truth that touches the viewer. Skolasa works her turncoat cop just right. She shows us the odd combination of resignation and determination that her character lives.
The Verdict
Say Hello almost earned a full 5 stars just for the title alone. Alas, we had to trim off a half star for Skolasa’s accent. The film earns a solid 4.5 stars. Let me explain the subtraction. Being a retired LEO gives me a certain insight. Detectives, by the very nature of their job, have to be good communicators with people. I felt that the heavy accent detracted some from the “validity” of the character. *I had the same problem with Robert Duvall’s casting of his Argentinian wife as a Texas Ranger. The accent intruded. Skolasa is in good company at least and she does deliver a certain truth to her role.*
At the end of the day, I loved the film. I expect it to accumulate awards easily.
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