Why “Best Short Film Ever” Knows the Dating Game Too Well

There’s confidence in naming your short film 'Best Short Film Ever' and a wink, too. Vedd Rawtaani’s playful, self-aware slice-of-life comedy doesn’t just flirt with that title, it dares the audience to argue back. Is it really the best? Maybe not. Is it sharp, funny, and uncomfortably familiar? Absolutely.

The film follows Naina, a woman in her late twenties who is self-assured, independent, and painfully realistic qualities that, in the modern dating ecosystem, feel less like assets and more like obstacles. She isn’t searching for fireworks or fairy tales, just a genuine human connection. A modest request, right? And yet, date after date, she’s met with awkward silences, red flags disguised as charm, and encounters that veer from hilarious to mildly traumatic.

Rawtaani frames these experiences with a light touch and a quick wit. The writing is one of the film’s biggest strengths, observational, punchy, and keenly aware of how absurd modern romance has become. The humor doesn’t come from exaggerated caricatures but from recognition.

The performances anchor that relatability. Naina is a charming, grounded presence, played with just the right balance of sarcasm and sincerity. She’s funny without being flippant, vulnerable without becoming a cliché.

Stylistically, Rawtaani leans into momentum. The editing is fast and confident, giving the film a brisk rhythm that mirrors both the chaos of dating apps and the emotional whiplash of back-to-back bad experiences. Scenes move quickly, jokes don’t linger too long, and the pacing keeps the energy buoyant. In fact, the film’s greatest enemy might be its own enthusiasm shaving three minutes off the runtime could have sharpened the impact even further.

Visually, it isn’t overly polished. Some framing choices feel functional rather than expressive, and the aesthetic lacks the sheen of higher-budget shorts

Rawtaani’s background in advertising and fast-paced storytelling is evident, but he resists turning the film into a gimmick. Instead, he uses speed and unconventional angles to enhance the comedy, not distract from it.

Ultimately, succeeds because it understands its subject and respects its viewers.

Best short film ever? That’s up for debate.

One of the most relatable? No question.