Chris Esper's "Michael Solace" Explores the Price of Creativity

They’re just words. Words come and go.

“Michael Solace” is a short film directed by Chris Esper. A passionate filmmaker finds himself on a surreal odyssey where he wrestles with selling his soul or his script.

From the opening shot, I was immediately drawn to “Michael Solace.” This film takes a unique direction that I wasn’t expecting. Passion and success play pivotal roles in the narrative, asking audiences how far they would go to achieve their dreams.

Chris Esper has been directing movies for the last fifteen years. While growing up in New Jersey, he loved going on adventures to a local video store and renting movies. Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” (1980) changed his perspective when he realized how much craftsmanship goes into filmmaking behind the scenes.

“That’s what I wanted to do - be a filmmaker,” Esper proudly said.

“Michael Solace” was written by Kris Salvi, an actor, director, and writer, who has collaborated with Esper on multiple projects. The screenplay had originally been intended for another director, but when the plan fell through, Salvi sent the piece to Esper. After reading it, Esper felt an immediate connection to its themes in the entertainment industry.

“There’s always someone to tell you it should be done a certain way,” Esper said. “What happens when you release it to the world? Is it still yours?”

When the film opens, we’re introduced to Michael (Justin Thibault), a passionate and proud writer who wants one thing: to remain true to himself. Thibault’s performance sells Michael’s character. He adds an earnest integrity, a rare trait in the entertainment industry. His countenance is remarkable as Michael watches everything around him.

Credits include Diana Porter, John R. Smith Jnr, Paul Noonan, and an ensemble who appear in pivotal background moments.

Pre-production started in January 2025, as Esper gathered a crew, compiled location spots, and made a rough cut of his cinematography list. He encouraged his cast to watch films like Nosferatu (1922) to get them into the mindset.

Filming lasted roughly five days, but Esper unfortunately developed COVID, causing a small hiccup in production. “It was a blessing in disguise,” Esper said. “No one else got sick, and it gave me some time for editing.”

The cinematography and sound are the most intricate parts of “Michael Solace.” Camera angles are specific, detailing erratic cuts during Michael’s stressful pursuit across the busy town.

The film felt otherworldly, which was Esper’s intention. Esper said he worked closely with cinematographer John Weston and production designer Gabrielle Rosson to create a look that felt both timely and slightly off-kilter.

The majority of filming took place in Providence, Rhode Island. Owners of the Sarto Restaurant allowed the filmmakers to use its coffee shop for a full day. Coffee shops make exciting settings. They also let them film in the alleyway.

The film’s closing scene was filmed at a cemetery in Fitchburg at night. Despite dealing with Mother Nature, filmmakers pushed forward, capturing a gripping monologue delivered stupendously by Porter.

“Michael Solace” explores the fragile relationship between creativity, identity, and success. These ideas come from Esper’s personal experience, who said his book on filmmaking was dismissed by a Los Angeles bookstore clerk. The moment made Esper pause and reconsider how success should be defined.

“Individuality as an artist,” Esper said. He adds that success is about staying true to the reason you created something in the first place.

“Michael Solace” is a personal short film by Esper, who said he has enjoyed seeing audience reaction at different presentations. The story encourages audiences to keep pursuing their passion projects and not let their egos fail them.