PopHorror Let's Get Scared
As we wrap up our coverage of the 2018 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, I had an opportunity to watch the Head Trip Block Shorts for review. The block is perfectly described on the BHFF site as:
At its boldest, horror doesn’t play by any rules. As you’ll see in these unclassifiable shorts, complete with punk-rock lunatics, malevolent aliens, lovesick fish, and nefarious pre-teens, the genre’s scope is boundless.
The Head Trip Block Shorts were all definitely unique and took my mind on some wild trips. Let’s see what I thought of each of them.
The Beaning, dir. Sean McCoy (USA)
Synopsis:
In this experimental and unnerving sports documentary, the rise of the New York Yankees following the death of Cleveland player Ray Chapman is explored through all of its macabre implications.
My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to expect with a baseball horror short documentary style film. This film really stuck with me after I watched it. The way it was told and shot was definitely unsettling, and is one of my favorites in this shorts block.
Tick, dir. Ashlea Wessel (Canada)
Synopsis:
Trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, a young vampire has to find her inner strength and fight back against an undead-hating regime.
My Thoughts: Post-apocalyptic world stories are not my favorite, but this film is an exception. I enjoyed watching the young vampire become badass, and I loved the ending.
Voyager, dir. Kjersti Helen Rasmussen (Norway)
Synopsis:
Out of nowhere, a shooting star zooms over a science lab hidden deep in the Arctic islands. The scientists are in for a long night.
My Thoughts: I don’t believe I’ll look at shooting stars in the same way ever again! Great sci-fi horror short!
Atomic Spot, dir. Stephanie Cabdevila (France)
Synopsis:
An amphibian-like humanoid wanders around an island, lonely as can be. But when a group of young surfers show up, his luck changes.
My Thoughts: This was another film where I wasn’t sure what to expect. It is well shot. The creature effects are done well, and it had a story about being lonely, which I am sure we can all relate to. It certainly has an interesting ending. The film is quirky, but I enjoyed it.
Le otto dita della morte, dir. Frédéric Chalté (Canada)
Synopsis:
In pure giallo fashion, a mysterious man wearing a motorcycle suit stalks a young woman.
My Thoughts: Giallo is the Italian mystery/horror genre that was most prominent from 1970 to 1975 and is known for gratuitous violence, sex and gore which also influenced the American Slasher genre. This film has a definite ’70s vibe to it. I love the way it was shot, including the slasher parts. It is very well done and another favorite in the group for me.
A Death Story Called Girl, dir. Nathalia Bas-Tzion Beahan (USA)
Synopsis:
Young and fortunate enough to live in affluent suburbia, a teenager looks for something to do pass the time.
My Thoughts: This film, simple in premise, is about a young girl taking care of two elderly people for the afternoon. But just wait for the horrific surprise at the end. This is another favorite in the Head Trip Shorts Block for me.
42 Counts, dir. Jill Gevargizian (USA)
Synopsis:
Two young women decide to spend their night watching scary movies, but as it turns out, something is also watching them.
My Thoughts: This short is actually based on a true story, which always makes for a creepier watch. I enjoyed this one and it did have get my heart rate up at a certain part. You can read our more indepth review of this short here.
Proceeds of Crime, dir. James Chappell (Australia)
Synopsis:
The Birds of Prey is an all-female gang of misfits, roam the streets looking for women’s heads to scalp. Unfortunately, they’ve picked the wrong woman this time.
My Thoughts: This was a fun film about misfits who finally get what they deserve.
Final Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed the Head Trip Shorts Block with all of these films. There wasn’t one that I didn’t enjoy. If you get a chance to view any of these shorts, be sure you do. They do not disappoint.
