"A Tense and Timely Look at Everyday Fear"

Disclaimer: The following review contains light spoilers for One Shot Of Espresso.

Set in a South London café, the debut short film from writer-director Guy Taylor explores the theme of hypervigilance and what it means for a woman working alone when confronted by a strange customer who simply refuses to leave.

Thoughtfully shot and tightly executed by Taylor and his creative team, *One Shot Of Espresso* follows Michelle (Lauren Budd) for the entirety of its runtime, placing the audience firmly in her shoes as tension slowly and deliberately builds.

What makes the film so effective is its uncertainty.

You never quite know what is going to happen next.

It’s like witnessing a car crash — you know it’s going to end badly, but you can’t help but watch.

That slow-burn tension is where the film finds its strength, forcing the audience to question whether what they are seeing is paranoia, instinct, or something far more dangerous.

At the centre of it all is a captivating performance from Lauren Budd, whose portrayal of Michelle grounds the film in realism and vulnerability, making every glance and pause feel significant.

More than just an effective psychological thriller, *One Shot Of Espresso* is an important piece of filmmaking.

It shines a light on the everyday realities of female hypervigilance and serves as a stark reminder that what some may dismiss as harmless can, in reality, carry very real danger.

Tense, timely and thought-provoking, Guy Taylor’s debut short is one to watch.