If you’ve ever attended a family open house and dodged questions like “When are you getting married?” or “Why so thin now?” Julie’s new Deepavali short film is about to hit home.
Titled “The Duel”, this marks Julie’s first-ever Deepavali short film, and it’s a witty, emotional rollercoaster that captures one of Malaysia’s most universal experiences: the festive interrogation.
Set in a bustling Deepavali open house, the story follows an outspoken aunt and her niece two generations locked in a verbal face-off, cowboy-movie style. Every sarcastic remark is a “shot fired”, and every comeback feels like a cinematic standoff straight out of a spaghetti Western.
But just when the tension peaks, the family’s matriarch the grandmother steps in with her own round of tough questions. What happens next turns the duel into a moment of understanding. Beneath all the nosy questions and backhanded compliments lies what the film calls “imperfect love” the kind that annoys you, but also reminds you that family always means well (most of the time).
“Festive seasons often stir up old tensions yet remind us that family can also unite us,” said Tzy Horng Sai, Director of Julie’s Biscuits. “We wanted this story to encourage people to see family interactions through a kinder lens to realise that love looks different across generations.”
Directed by GOVT Singapore’s Kevin Poh, the short film turns a classic Malaysian-Indian house visit into a cinematic metaphor a Western duel that captures both the humour and heart of festive get-togethers.
“We wanted something everyone can relate to that moment when a relative’s ‘concern’ comes out sounding like judgement,” said Kevin. “The Duel reminds us that, at the end of the day, it’s all love even if it doesn’t sound like it.”
You can now watch “The Duel” on Julie’s official YouTube channel best enjoyed with a tub of Julie’s Butter Crackers, which make a cameo in the film. They’re buttery, flaky, and just right for snacking while you face your own family Q&A this Deepavali.
Because sometimes, love sounds like a question you don’t want to answer but still warms your heart anyway.