This week’s selection is much like last week’s in that they are films we’ve covered before and that have become available for the public to watch online easily. Each mini-review is a repost with the links to go watch the film for yourself. If there are any short film you’d like to see featured, let us know!
Things We Dig (2020)
This new short horror film from filmmaker and star Pia Thrasher is one of those that is not to be missed. In this short, a group of vampires lives together and has a few side businesses to support themselves in this economy. One of these they wish to advertise so they hire a film crew to make a promo video. From there on out hilarity ensues. Things We Dig is one of those short films that hits just right with a clear inspiration from What We Do in the Shadows and a whole lot of heart. Pia Thrasher has a major winner on her hands and it’s one that should be watched as soon as possible and will consequently be one to watch over and over after that first time. Not only are the writing and directing on point, the acting from the case is fantastic, particularly from Morgan Marlow as The Hacker child who is just perfect every time she’s on screen. This short film shows how a great cast and crew can create magic with just a few minutes of screen time.
Watch Things We Dig here!
Boo (2019)
Previously reviewed here, Boo is now on Alter for all to watch so reread our review and check out the film! Rakefet Abergel is back at it, this time with a fun take on a familiar theme in horror with added incentives and current issues. Her work here takes the character of Boo from a meeting that seems to be of the AA kind, then to a bad meeting in parking lot, all the way to an end that some might see coming but is no less interesting and entertaining to watch. Abergel stars, directs, and writes this horror comedy drama film that feels like it has much more to offer. Boo is a character that feels human and real while giving the viewer something to be entertained by and something to think about. Even with its darker moments, Boo is an entertaining short film with some interesting visual shifts and imagery.
Watch Boo here!
Query (2020)
Two friends spend the day together discussing everything and then some. Their life discussions eventually turn to questioning sexuality and some curiosities they have had about it. This film written by Ryan Farhoudi and Sophie Kargman, with Kargman directing, shows an open-minded male friendship that starts off looking a bit bro-ish and ends up being so much. The capacity of the two leads to discuss things and be open shows a good way of bringing up certain subjects on film. Is this a message film? Of course, but it’s more than that and in feels like more than that. The leads, and only two characters, are played by Graham Patrick Martin and Justice Smith who shows that they can handle the material and that they have a great capacity to show what is needed when it’s needed with some subtlety at times and more of an in-your-face quality at other times. This short film is an easy watch that talks about some important subject, it show in a colorful and bright way, giving the space to the discussion to grow in front of the cameras.
Watch Query here!
Fused (2020)
A woman suspects that something is off with herself and asks her girlfriend to come watch over her sleep. Director Patrick Rea is one who’s work we love to watch for at Cinema Crazed because he consistently turns out great short and feature films. Fused is no different. It’s a great film with a lot of atmosphere and darkness to it, the story is concise, yet complete in the short time the film is given. Of course, things are not gone as far into as they could have in a feature, but it work in the film’s advantage here. Helping sell this are the lead actresses Sarah McGuire as Sarah and Katie Rohlfing as Cassie. The two of them work together beautifully to create two humans who are worth watching and caring about. Their work here anchors the film and makes it something that pulls the viewer in. Fused is filled with atmosphere and the performances are on point, it’s a film that looks great even in its darker scenes something many films with much larger budgets can’t seem to manage. It’s a high quality film with a lot going for it.
Watch Fused here!
Darling, Darling, Wendy (2019)
Based on the classic character of Wendy Darling, this follows her story as a mother desperately trying to cling to her youth and wanting to go back to times of happiness. She now is married with a child and still wanting her past back. Written by Katherine Sainte Marie and directed by Elise Robertson, the film plays with themes that will resonate with many while also dealing with some themes are dark for most. The film is not just another take on the Peter Pan story from another point of view, it’s a sort of continuation and exploration of what could have happened with Wendy as she grew up, knowing that is something more out there than the typical housebound life of women in those times. Here she represents the wants and needs of many women of the time while going about them in not the best of ways. Her plight comes through loud and clear and reminds the viewer that freedom and aspirations are things that are often taken for granted these days. The direction of the film is on point, giving it a clear point of view and a great way to say what it needs to. As the writer also plays the lead, it is clear that the film is passion project for her and she puts her all into how she portrays Wendy. She’s not just a vessel for the story or a desperate woman, there is much more to her. The film also sports stunning set designs and costumes that fit the period beautiful and dark, moody cinematography and score that heighten the film’s effect on the viewer. This short film shows what can be done with a passion project done right.