‘Briefcase’ reminds us that, in film noir, fate is never far away

Los Angeles filmmaker and actor Nate Golon this week released a neo-noir short called “Briefcase.” By chance, a clean-cut guy named Carter sees a briefcase one lonely night at a gas station and picks it up. Bad idea, Carter. But the idea of a mysterious briefcase has been an intriguing trope for noir storytellers, from Robert Aldrich (“Kiss Me Deadly” 1955) to Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction” 1994).

Golon brings an assured eye to his material, and I hope to see more of his work soon.