PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Sometimes I get emails about projects to review that get me really excited. That was the case when I got a message from Concept Media’s Shawn Burkett about a short film called Ambrosia, the latest directorial effort from Brittany Blanton (who directed the excellent short film Breaking Vera – read our interview with her here). The film stars two of my favorite indie performers, Dale Miller (read our interview with him here) and Katie Stewart, who always put in excellent performances together in films like The Wicked One (2017 – read our review here) and Angel (2018 – read our review here). Did Ambrosia live up to my excitement?
Ambrosia was directed by Brittany Blanton from a script by Blanton and Shawn Burkett. The film stars Dale Miller, Brittany Blanton, and Katie Stewart.
Synopsis:
A husband is grasping on to one last hope to save his ill wife. He makes the decision to call forth an ancient creature. But is she there to help or tear them apart?
One thing I wasn’t aware of going into Ambrosia was that it was a period piece. The film takes place in the 1800s. It pulls this off well through limited settings, with the whole short taking place in a cabin, along with an excellent wardrobe. Dale Miller and Katie Stewart play a married couple Silas and Isabelle. Isabelle is sick and dying from an illness, most likely tuberculosis given she’s coughing up blood. Isabelle, in a feverish moment, mentions to Silas that she hears the voice of Ambrosia, a local legend, calling out to her. Silas thinks it’s just her illness playing tricks on her, but what if she’s right and Ambrosia is the one person that could possibly save her?
Dale Miller and Katie Stewart both give excellent and emotional performances. Dale and Katie always play well off each other, and that is definitely the case here, as well. You can see Silas’s pain on Miller’s face as he watches his wife slowly wither away from a disease he is helpless to stop. Katie Stewart does a wonderful job conveying Isabelle’s love for her husband and a longing to stay with him. Brittany Blanton rounds out the cast as legendary creature, Ambrosia. Blanton, as usual, kills it in her role. Ambrosia is creepy in appearance (thanks to amazing makeup effects) and nefarious in action due to a stellar performance from Blanton. The film doesn’t offer much in the way of gore, so those expecting Concept Media’s usual bloodbath might be slightly disappointed, but those who prefer a more emotional brand of horror will find much to love here.
Final Thoughts
Ambrosia is another exceptional short film from director Brittany Blanton, featuring a wonderful cast, a heartfelt and emotional story, and a creepy, malevolent monster. I would love to see what Blanton accomplishes with a feature and a solid budget. Highly Recommended.
