Worst Enemy (dir. Ammie Masterson)

By: Dave Hughes

Borderline Personality Disorder is a condition that is frequently misunderstood or entirely ignored by the general public. Many individuals living with the disorder remain unaware of their situation until they receive a formal diagnosis from a mental health professional. Worst Enemy, directed by Ammie Masterson, provides a heartbreaking look at a veteran attempting to reconstruct his life following such a diagnosis. The narrative explores his internal struggle to find stability while illustrating how the disorder is further shaped and complicated by the people in his immediate circle.

At the core of the narrative is Shane, portrayed by Kevin Machate, who also acts as the film's writer and co-director. Shane is a combat veteran attempting to stabilize his life while residing in a dilapidated hotel in rural America. As he navigates the process of seeking employment, he watches his cousin, Ashley (played by Beth Shea), achieve significant fame and success in Hollywood. Her celebrity status creates a physical and emotional distance that leaves her unreachable during Shane's most critical moments of need. This isolation intensifies his mental health crisis. Furthermore, Shane maintains a strained relationship with his father. The older man’s adherence to toxic masculinity serves as a primary source of stress, further aggravating Shane’s fragile psychological state.

Worst Enemy is a short film that packs significant emotional weight into its core themes. The film is particularly effective in its portrayal of mental health and its specific impact on the veteran community. Shane leads a life of profound isolation. This loneliness is visualized through the dilapidated hotel and the muted, gray tones that envelop his daily existence. These visuals stand in stark contrast to the vibrant, bold colors associated with Ashley, his successful cousin. This aesthetic shift serves as a window into Shane’s internal psyche. It illustrates his bleak worldview even as he continues the grueling work of attempting to improve his circumstances.

Familial relationships sit at the forefront of Ammie Masterson’s harrowing short film Worst Enemy. The film features an incredibly difficult scene in which Shane and his father engage in a heated verbal exchange. This confrontation highlights a significant divide in how different generations process personal trauma. Shane’s father represents an era of emotional suppression, choosing to smother and ignore his internal struggles. In contrast, Shane attempts to tackle his trauma directly. Both methods carry their own heavy consequences, yet these opposing philosophies create an insurmountable rift between the two men. Through this conflict, Masterson  successfully illustrates the tragic cycle of misunderstood pain within the family unit. There is also the complex relationship between Shane and his distant cousin Ashley. While Ashley tries to support Shane, her limited availability often leaves him feeling more abandoned.  

Target Score 8/10: Worst Enemy is a powerful short film that feels deeply familiar  against the backdrop of the  modern mental health epidemic. Ammie Masterson’s film addresses major themes that viewers will connect with while creating awareness for a topic that is often suppressed or swept under the rug.