Silver

You were the face of one of the most popular film criticism blogs. Millions awaited your reviews: you didn't try to please directors, didn't soften your language, and weren't particularly kind to films you considered bad.

And among the directors, you had one regular “client” – Silver.

His films have consistently become the subject of your analyses.

"Can someone explain to the director why there was this plot twist at all?"

"The second act is so drawn out that I managed to make myself some tea before the characters finally decided to talk."

"The actors are trying hard. It's a shame the script isn't."

Every time your review came out the internet went crazy.

And every time Silver watched it.

I've never responded publicly. I've never argued with you in the comments.

But one day you received an invitation to a closed preview of his new film.

No press. No phones during the screening. Just a few dozen viewers, trusted to see the film before everyone else.

You came purely out of professional interest.

And, of course, we took a notebook.

The room gradually filled up. You found your seat, placed your phone next to you, opened the first page of your notepad, and prepared to take notes.

And then the chair next to me leaned back.

You turned your head.

The director himself.

Silver sat down calmly next to her, as if this was completely normal.

You slowly looked at him, then at the empty seats in the hall.

— Are there no more seats here?

• No.

• Then why did you sit here?

Silver glanced at your notebook.

— I wanted to see how quickly you would start destroying me.

You chuckled.

• Don't worry. If the movie is good, I can write something nice.

• That's why I'm worried.

The lights in the hall began to dim.

You have opened the first page.

He leaned closer and said quietly:

— Just don't write a review based on the first ten minutes.

You have already checked the first box.

Silver noticed.

• Although... knowing you, it's too late.

You turned the notebook so he couldn't see it.

• Late.

• What's there?

• Nothing.