Written by Raphael Xavier and directed by Raphael Xavier and Gary Dourdan, Swerve Eli is a 2024 drama short that stars Raphael Xavier, Jayden Alexander, Lee Mack.

Raphael Xavier plays Van Xander; an out of work artist in desperate need of cash. As he reluctantly turns to an old street friend to make fast money, he is apprehensive of what the job might be. Reluctantly, he takes a substitute teaching job and comes across a young boy trying to make a name in Philly’s bicycle wheelie culture. Finding the boy to be lost, Xander reluctantly takes him under his wing, setting course for a life changing adventure.

Swerve Eli is a potent film, one that is unafraid to show what a man does when he is forced into a corner. Accurately depicting the impoverished communities of Philadelphia, the film hits hard. Its protagonists are relatable and the struggles they go through are totally believable. The story goes off in some interesting directions and Xavier manages to stick the landing pretty well too. From a narrative standpoint, this is a potent film that does its characters justice. 

Playing the main lead, Raphael Xavier manages to keep the film afloat all by himself. Displaying a range of emotions, Xavier proves he is leading man material. Equally impressive is Jayden Alexander as the young Eli Blake whose young and inexperienced character plays off well against Xavier’s seasoned veteran. 

Raphael Xavier’s direction is on point. Xavier allows the main character room to grow as he keeps the narrative pacing on track, ensuring there is not a single dull moment in the entire film. Also, Philly’s bicycle wheelie culture is captured as accurately as possible. It would have been a logistical nightmare to pull it off, considering the sheer number of bikers that make up such rallies but Xavier manages to do so splendidly. 

In the visual department, the cinematography is crisp and both outdoor and indoor shots look perfect. Equally impressive is the sound mixing and sound design that adds a new dimension to the story unfolding onscreen. By keeping the technical aspects as strong as the narrative ones, Xavier ensures the film remains a powerful experience for all those who witness it. 

Swerve Eli has it all; a compelling story, strong performances and just enough subtext to keep it in the audiences’ mind long after it is over. The film is visually striking and narratively resonant; Raphael Xavier has made a short that works in more ways than one. Judging by the short, Xavier is destined for great things and we can’t wait to see what he does next.