PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve always been a huge fan of shorts! I am amazed when a filmmaker can tell an entire story in a just a few minutes. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review the Women’s series of shorts at the Happenstance Horror Fest this year. The short films did not let me down!
Brian Won’t Wear Condoms – Directed by Genna Edwards and starring Jordan Chin and April Consalo.
Synopsis:
The story follows Abby, a young woman who gets an IUD (intrauterine device) inserted because her boyfriend, Brian, refuses to wear condoms. The new device affects her in bizarre and horrifying ways, while the situation strains the relationship between a wellness influencer and her skeptical best friend.
What a great way to start off the shorts block. This short features a fun story and great special effects. Add two leads that sink their teeth (literally) into their roles, and you are in for a good time.
The Closet – Directed by Leticia Buchanan and starring Leon Hawk and Elizabeth Bays.
Synopsis:
A child insists a monster is hiding in the closet. As strange noises and shadows mount, bedtime leads to a dark twist that challenges who the real monster is.
This was the most hysterical for sure. Leon Hawk was delightful as the little boy and I found the twist to be just the right amount of surprising and diabolical.
Dissection Day – Directed by Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid and starring Kayla Garabedian and Peter DiMaggio.
Synopsis:
A traumatized college student is paired with her assailant in a biology lab, turning a routine pig dissection into a tense, surreal battleground that blurs reality with a dark fairytale.
One of the more serious shorts, I would love to see it expanded into a feature film. The fairytale parallels and the flashbacks turn it into a dreamy nightmare. Kayla Garabedian’s performance carries the narrative, and she is one to watch for the future! This was one of my favorites!
Eviction – Directed by Ashes Homon-Rahall and starring Erin Byrne and Sam Chapman.
Synopsis:
A woman attempts to advocate for herself in the hellscape known as the American Healthcare System.
The reaction I got from this short is the same one many get from the American Healthcare System: anger. This one felt more real than fiction. Another one with great special effects!
Do Not Rewind – Directed by Vivian Owen and starring Nicole Shiflett and Merryrose Howley.
Synopsis:
Trapped in a windowless room with only a VHS tape for company, Eden must decode the cryptic warnings of her predecessor, Jess, to escape a stalker’s twisted psychological prison before she becomes his next victim.
This grim, claustrophobic short had me from the first few minutes. But what made it stand out for me was the terrific performance by Nicole Shiflett. Features a really fun kill scene too.
Final Girls – Directed by Emily Richardson and starring Lanee Starr, Megan Murray, and Kate Cody.
Synopsis:
Follows three supernatural young women who travel back roads in a ’70s van, hunting men who prey on women. When they encounter Sloan, a blood-soaked girl who has just killed her attacker in a violent, inexplicable transformation, they recognize her as one of their own. At a remote bar, Sloan witnesses their terrifying powers firsthand and learns she belongs to a lineage of ancient shape-shifting creatures rooted in folklore, including stories from her own Indigenous heritage. Taken under their wing, Sloan embraces her new identity, and six months later embraces a new girl into the fold.
This was hands down my favorite of the entire bunch – I didn’t want it to end! This one could absolutely be expanded to a feature length film. I loved everything about this one: the acting, the story, the look, and the cool vibe. Do not miss this one.
Manic – Directed by Mariel Sharp and starring Nicky Fournier, James Watts, and Meagan Schroeder.
Synopsis:
Twenty years of creative repression is a long time to bottle things up. In MANIC, an artist’s descent into kaleidoscopic madness turns her oppressive partner into a grotesque work of art. Come see a relationship take an alarming creative direction.
I had absolutely no idea where this film was going. It was the bloodiest one of the entire block – in the best possible way! Once again this film is anchored by an amazing performance by and actress – in this case the talented Nicky Fournier. This is another must see!
High & Dry – Directed by Jenn Santos and starring Jenn Santos and Jameelah.
Synopsis:
Stranded in the woods with danger closing in, two femmes must confront the men who mistake them for prey-and prove they are anything but.
Another film that serves as a reminder that nothing good ever comes out of camping. I was very impressed at the character development that the director was able to get into a short period of time. Both lead actresses were wonderful, and really fleshed out their roles. I while I don’t recommend an outdoor excursion – I do recommend this short film.
Happenstance Horror Fest 2026 took place Saturday, November 7, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM EST at Cinema Salem (1 E India Square Mall, Salem, MA).
