If there’s one really negative criticism I can lobby at “Daniel” is that it feels more like a prologue to a larger film, than a short film. And I’d love to see Peter Dukes create the long form narrative to this shot film someday. “Daniel” is a very good and creepy short film that centers on its big hook, and once it comes, it’s tough to forget.
“Daniel” stars Dominic Pace as a bat wielding intruder, lurking in a house, trying to manipulate young Daniel in to coming out of hiding. Apparently something heinous has gone down, with his mom now dead, and his dad being held down outside, and Pace’s character isn’t intent on leaving any time soon. At three minutes in length, director Peter Dukes has a lot of story to tell and groundwork to lie down, and he accomplishes the feat through visual cues that act as exposition.
While I was sure the film was taking me somewhere, I really didn’t expect Dukes to end on such a low and creepy note. The special effects, however brief, are rather fantastic and really sold the concept for what is the aftermath, and opening to a larger battle afoot. “Daniel” is a short but sweet horror film worth looking for, and Peter Dukes pulls off another fine genre entry.