PopHorror Let's Get Scared
This past week, the 2018 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival was held. I had the opportunity to view two of the horror short film blocks. The first one was Creeping Terror. The second one was Slayed – LGBT Horror Shorts. These short films were excellent and morbidly beautiful. I’m going to share my thoughts on each of them below.
The Sermon, dir. Dean Puckett (United Kingdom)
Synopsis:
In an isolated church community in the English countryside, a powerful hate preacher prepares to deliver a sermon to his flock, but his daughter has a secret that could destroy them all.
My Thoughts: I love the way this film was shot. It was shot 35mm, so it had an original Wicker Man vibe to it. A folk terror film that will not disappoint!
Disposition, dir. Eric Thirteen (USA)
Synopsis:
A woman stalked by depression makes some extreme decisions.
My Thoughts: This film resonated with me. Depression does just that. It stalks you. The extreme decisions are difficult to watch, but they are executed beautifully. An absorbing film.
Payment, dir. Ben Larned (USA)
Synopsis:
After 10 years of hiding, Stephen confronts the Salesman to whom he sold his soul, unaware that the demon has fallen in love with him.
My Thoughts: The premise is simple and to some, predictable, but it is played out in an interesting way.
Instinct, dir. Maria Arida (USA)
Synopsis:
A psychosexual thriller about Isabelle, a lonely gallery owner who meets a dangerously seductive performance artist and discovers they have more in common than expected. Will Isabelle allow herself to let Camila in without giving in to her true nature?
My Thoughts: This film is one of my favorites of the Slayed – LGBT Horror Shorts, hands down. It has a David Lynchian vibe to it. I genuinely did not see the plot twist coming. I should have, but I never thought of this one!
Islands, dir. Yann Gonzalez (France)
Synopsis:
Characters wander through an erotic maze of love and desire.
My Thoughts: This film definitely was unique. It had some difficult parts to watch that may make other viewers uncomfortable. It is not a bad film; it is just very different. It’s one of those films that you can’t help but want to see what happens because it is so different.
I am delighted I had an opportunity to view and review the Slayed – LGBT Horror Shorts. They are all unique and thought provoking. I highly recommend them all, and if you have a chance to see them, please do!
