Funsize Epics Vol. 2 Shorts Block
What is essentially another proof of concept short film, Kyle Perritt’s “Robbie Ain’t Right No More” is a mix of “Death Dream” and “Astronaut’s Wife.” It’s basically a horror movie but deep down it’s ripe with potential to deliver on themes about PTSD, the effects of serving in the military, and the way coming home from the war can change people. It can make them almost unrecognizable in many ways, allowing for an unusual situation.
“Robbie Ain’t Right No More” is a very good take on the sub-genre, setting up a lot of themes and sub-plots that I was interested to explore, even in spite of the short run time. Sarah was close with her older brother Robbie before he went off to war. But now he’s cold and distant. He doesn’t seem quite right anymore. When Sarah refuses to let him slip away, she finds out he brought something horrific home with him.
Leading the charge in this decidedly deadly serious short is Madeleine McGraw best known from “The Black Phone,” who is just downright compelling as little sister Sarah. I was definitely sucked in to her journey and what was unfolding, even if the movie does end on a cheap “To Be Continued” stinger. So Did Sarah Pick up on her brother for a whole other reason? Did Robbie infect their family? Is Robbie even Robbie? In either case, I wouldn’t say no to a feature film, especially if led by Madeline McGraw
This year, The Chattanooga Film Festival runs from June 21st through 28th (June 21st – 23rd In-Person, and June 21st-28th Virtually).