PopHorror Let's Get Scared
This year, I had the opportunity to review the Bloody Bits Shorts Showcase Part II for Canada’s Blood in the Snow Film Festival. As you all know by now, I am in love with short films and always look forward to the opportunity to view as many as I can. These shorts were diverse and unique, and I enjoyed them all. Let’s take a closer look at this block of films and my thoughts on each!
The Girl in the Black Dress (dir. Helen Kriemadis)
Synopsis:
While a woman gets ready to go out, things are not what they seem.
My Thoughts: ??
This film sets up an urgent creepiness in under three minutes. Don’t watch it before getting ready for a night on the town!
Binge (Dir. David J. Fernandes)
Synopsis:
A mysterious envelope arrives at Jen’s door, sending her on an increasingly dangerous hunt to discover its intent.
My Thoughts:
This film was definitely one of my favorites. I loved the tension that was created through the unraveling of each clue and the hunt, plus there was a twisted ending I didn’t see coming. You can see a trailer for the short here.
Hot Anger (Dir. Gwen Trutnau)
Synopsis:
Her anger is like a fever.
My Thoughts:
Although there was not much dialogue, Hot Anger was visually stunning with a lot of visual effects that made the film stand out.? You can see a clip of the short here.
In Death, Unparted (Dir. Tom Lopers)
Synopsis:
After joining the realm of the undead, a young, charming, yet isolated vampire battles with evading the grasp of his lovesick stalker classmate or giving in to his need for companionship.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this short. It was emotional and heartfelt. While I had a feeling how it would end, it held my interest. Loved the ending. You can see the trailer for the short here.
Standby (Dir. Daumoun Khakpour)
Synopsis:
A desperate man resorts to smuggling his wife inside of a piece of luggage in hopes of finding a better life in a new country. His hopes are put on hold when his plane arrives-but the bag containing his wife does not.
My Thoughts:
Another favorite! There was a lot of tension and uncomfortable moments. I felt like I was right there in the action, feeling his despair and hoping he would find his wife.
House Among the Trees (Dir. Brian Wilcox)
Synopsis:
While checking in on a neighbor’s cottage, a man finds there’s an unexpected visitor already living there who is claiming to be a distant relative. The man believes her, only to find out things are much worse than they seem.
My Thoughts:
This film was a lot of fun. Who doesn’t love a cabin out in the woods flick? While it may seem predictable, I didn’t think it would go the way it did!
The Chicken Man (Dir. Joslyn Rogers)
Synopsis:
A suicidal writer is miraculously saved by a chicken. His story is re-written.
My Thoughts:
This was a thought-provoking film. It was deep in both meaning and feelings.
A suicidal writer is miraculously saved by a chicken. His story is re-written.
Synopsis:
A teenage girl battling obsessive compulsive disorder has to run the gamut of school bullies every day, until a traumatic event convinces her that her disorder may be an indication of supernatural powers.
My Thoughts:
This was another one I adored. The film was original and the story was just perfect with solid performances. The twist at the end is everything!
The Whistler (Dir. Jennifer Nicole Stang)
Synopsis:
Lindsey is forced to babysit her sister, Becky, one night. After innocently falling asleep, she wakes up to find her sister gone. Someone may have taken Becky and could be after her as well.
My Thoughts:
This film sets up a suspenseful ride. You take a trip along with them and the ending will disturb you. You can see the trailer for the short here.
Time Heals No Wounds (Dir. Jordan Barnes-Crouse)
Synopsis:
Toiling away in a makeshift lab, Dr. Barry Slater has finally made a breakthrough: THE CHRONOSPHERIC RE-OSCILLATOR, a device able to transmit artifacts across time. But when he materializes a recording from his future self, he decides to become his next test subject, despite the cautioning of his young wife, Georgina. When the experiment goes awry, Georgina suddenly finds herself transported to another time, and the man resembling her husband may no longer be who, or what, he seems.
My Thoughts:
Cool special effects and story on this one! This was a sci-fi film with a creature reminiscent of The Fly. Check out the teaser trailer here.
Bloody Bits Shorts Showcase Part II was incredible! I genuinely enjoyed all of these films. There were many different, original kinds of horror represented. If you have an opportunity to see these shorts, please make sure you do! Be sure to stay tuned to PopHorror for all your news, reviews, interviews and much more!
