Stellar short films from past articles and reviews have been made available online. Go check them out!
The Quiet Room (USA) (2018)
Following his suicide attempt, a man must face and stop a demon who was awaken and is now going after everyone in the mental hospital ward. From writer/director Sam Wineman, The Quiet Room is a long form short film meaning that it is not quite short yet not long enough to be considered a feature film. The length of the film here is perfect for the story and allows the film to tell and show what it needs to without going over its welcome and lasting too long. The film’s story here is gripping and keeps the viewer watching through strong characters and a few good scares that will surprise even the most hardcore of horror fans. This is partially due to the film’s style and its story as it develops into more of a psychological film than a horror one until the monster in question shows up and starts doing some damage. Wineman’s film is fantastic on these levels, touching on mental health and suicide in respectful manner while also bringing some scares along for the ride in a way that doesn’t diminish the issues at hand. A big part of this is due to the cast and how they approach the material. Jamal Douglas in the lead of Michael brings the right touch to his part, making him human and very realistic while keeping him in context of the story and its developments. His performance here is strong and powerful while being subtle and nuanced. His work is one major part of why the film works. The rest of the cast is also very good, but this is very much Douglas’ show in terms of starring and connecting. While the monster is fantastic and the film is well-shot, he is the center of attention and remains it throughout the film.
Watch The Quiet Room here!
Serpent’s Lullaby (2014) (13 minutes)
A beautiful woman lives a lonely existence in her manor after having lost and buried her infant. She sees in others what she misses most: love. That is until she makes a decision that will most likely change her life. Also written by Charles Hall and directed by Patricia Chica, this short shows that these two work well together and that their story telling lends itself perfectly to the short film format. Lead actress Jenimay Walker keeps the viewers’ attention with her talented acting and classic beauty. Serpent’s Lullaby is full of atmosphere with a touch of mystery, wrapped in beautiful imagery, keeping the viewer wanting to see more.
Watch Serpent’s Lullaby here!
The Shipment (2018)
A man who has turned his life around must make hard decision in his quest to become a better man and to protect his daughter at the same time. This short film is one of the most expensive ones we’ve seen in the last few years and the budget shows. The special effects are on point, the score sounds expensive, if a little familiar, and the film as a whole comes off looking and feeling like something that is part of a much bigger universe. The acting in The Shipment is good overall, with a few scenes here and there that feel a bit off. The visuals are fantastic and show how much of a passion project this was for writer/director Bobby Bala. It’s a fun watch with some deeper issues being approached in a way that is perfect to make some think without even knowing it. The issues at hand are very real and timely.
Watch The Shipment here!
Attack of the Potato Clock (USA) (2018)
In a school near you, a potato clock is hit by lightning and aims to take revenge on all those who have hurt potatoes in their lives, starting with an unsuspecting lunch lady. This animated short is flat out cute and super charming. Almost silent, the short communicates most of its emotions through the lunch lady and potato’s faces and is just about perfect on that front. From directors Victoria Lopez and Ji Young Na, the film has a tight pacing and a fun view on horror tropes when it comes to reanimated beings while still being silly and amusing. The animation is well done and the style it has suits the story perfectly.
Watch Attack of the Potato Clock here!
Cerulia (Mexico) (2017)
This magnificent stop-motion animation short deals with many themes that hit hard in how they are approached. The film’s central theme of childhood mixes with memories, imagination, loneliness, adult responsibilities, etc in a way that creates a compelling story that just sucks the audience in and doesn’t let them go until the credit roll. Once this happens, the audience is left wanting more as this film is absolutely fantastic on all fronts. Sofia Carrillo is a talented writer, director, etc who should be given a much bigger more to direct or perhaps a bigger budget to play in Cerulia’s world once again. The stop-motion animation here is stunning and looks amazing on screen, bringing the Cerulia and her memories to life in a way that stays on the mind long after the film ends.
Watch Cerulia here!