Burner (2021) Review: A Dinner Date With A Secret

This Burner review covers the 2021 short film directed by Daniel Kellom, a 12-minute story built around a single dinner invitation. Very little has been published about it, so this piece sticks to what is confirmed. Please note that the 2025 feature of the same name is a different film.

Burner Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Burner plot is simple on paper. A young man named Eric is hiding a secret, and he invites his quirky girlfriend, Giselle, over for dinner. That is all the official description gives us, and we will not guess beyond it.

The setup is a familiar one for short films: a small space, two people and one evening. At 12 minutes, the film has no time to waste, so the premise has to hook you quickly.

It is listed as an American production, made in Los Angeles, with dialogue in English. Daniel Kellom is credited as both director and writer.

What Works in Burner

The strongest point is the clarity of the idea. A secret, a partner and a dinner table give the story an instant tension that anyone can understand. You do not need background knowledge to follow it.

The short format also helps. A runtime of 12 minutes suits a contained premise like this one, and it makes the film easy to fit into a spare half hour.

The listed genre is action, which is an interesting pairing with a domestic dinner setting. That contrast is the most intriguing part of the pitch, and it suggests Kellom may be playing with expectations. I cannot confirm how far the film takes that idea.

Burner Cast and Performances

The Burner cast is small, which fits the story:

• Thalia Soto as Giselle

• Patrick Hickman as Eric

The description calls Giselle quirky, so her character likely carries much of the film's personality. Eric, the one holding the secret, is the character the story appears to hinge on. With only two credited leads, the chemistry between them would matter a great deal.

I have not found published critical commentary on either performance, so I will not assess them in detail. If you want to look further, the IMDb page for the Burner short lists the full credits.

Where Burner Stumbles

The biggest problem is the lack of information. There are no published reviews, no critics' consensus and no aggregate scores for this short, so it is hard to say how well it delivers on its premise.

There is also a risk of confusion. A 2025 feature called Burner, directed by Robert Orr, shares the title. Searches for the name may lead you to that film instead, so check the director and cast before you press play.

Shorts like this one can also struggle to build character in such a short time. Whether Burner overcomes that is something each viewer will have to judge.

Is Burner Worth Watching?

If you enjoy short films, yes, it is probably worth 12 minutes of your time. The premise is intriguing, and a short runtime means little risk.

However, I cannot promise quality. With no critical reception available, this is a curious pick rather than a proven one. If you like action cinema with an unusual angle, browse our action movie reviews for more established options.

The film was released in 2021, with sources giving April 21 or April 22 as the date. Streaming availability is not confirmed, so I cannot say where to watch it.

Who Will Enjoy Burner

• Short film fans who like tight, single-setting stories.

• Viewers curious about Daniel Kellom's work as a writer-director.

• Anyone who enjoys relationship tension with a mysterious edge. For a different kind of action, try our review of Relay.