BHFF 2017 Review: ‘Amy’ Delivers A Hauntingly Disturbing Horror Short

I recently had the pleasure of watching the horror short, Amy, for the 2017 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. I watched it on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and it definitely left me surprised. But was it a good surprise?

Old Lime Productions presents Amy, a disturbing horror short directed by L. Gustavo Cooper. The cast stars Danielle Kennedy as Amy, Rebekah Kennedy as Mary, and Tom Fitzpatrick as Mr. White.

Official Plot/Synopsis:

Set against the backdrop of the deadliest heatwave in recorded history and inspired by America’s most prolific female serial killer, L. Gustavo Cooper’s Amy provides a surreal and distorted glimpse into a killing spree that captivated a nation in the early 1900s.

During an overwhelming heat wave, a nurse at a home for sick patients warns young resident Mary to stay inside her room. Unfortunately, Mary doesn’t listen.

This is a short that sets the bar high for any film, especially other shorts, and you’d have to experience it for yourself to truly know what I mean. Although its runtime is under 7 minutes, L. Gustavo Cooper delivers on all aspects. Everything about this story is great, from the creepy atmosphere to the excellent performances to the amazing special effects.

The sinister tone is attributed to the dim lighting and rich musical score, all with an eerie undertone. Along with this, the constant moans, groans, and coughing coming from the patients release an uneasy feeling. It’s definitely a film where you can almost smell the sickness in the air.

Rebekah Kennedy delivers a superb performance as Mary. As soon as we catch a glimpse of her, you know she’s in severe pain. Her suffering transfers through the sweat glistening on her forehead, her hands crooked and trembling, and her face burning and tight with agony. In less than 6 minutes, you will want to help her and want to know her story.

*SPOILER AHEAD*

The horrifying transformation of Nurse Amy is incredible. It reminded me of a bit of Zelda from Pet Sematary and the mother ghost from Mama. I loved the specifical effects and her bending and twisting gave me the heebie-jeebies!

Final Thoughts:

Amy is a disturbing horror short that will surprise you (oh, and don’t drink the lemonade. Beware of the lemonade!). I loved everything about it from beginning to end. If you live and breath horror like I do… then you’ll love it, too!