David Roncone’s Short Film ‘Stuck’ is a Visually Stunning Tale of Inner Demons – Movie Review

I have always been a fan of short films because it takes true talent to tell an entire story in a very short period of time. Director David Roncone’s new short film, Stuck, is a dark, foreboding tale of one woman who is forced to face her personal fears in the form of a demon released from a box.

STUCK Synopsis

Sophia (IANUA COELI LINHART) is a fearful girl who has recently started living together with her partner Adele. They just moved in a new house and while Adele is out for work, Sophia, left alone tries to fight her fears related to her cohabitation. In the attic, Sophia finds and opens an ancient trunk unaware of having awakened a demon who tries to take Sophia’s soul. Sophia, alone and helpless, will have to defend herself before it will be too late.

As Sophia moves into her new home she finds a chained-up box in the attic (a massive red flag in my book!). But Sophia sees it differently and decides to break the chain and open it up. It releases a demon that tries to attack her. And so the pursuit begins.

I really loved this film. I don’t believe I can discuss it without first mentioning the cinematography. The darkness of the house that Sophia is in is only broken up by blue toned lights. Actress Ianua Coeli Linhart gives a very nuanced performance as she struggles with (essentially) her own inner demons come to life. I’m sure there are many people who wonder if they should face their fears or just keep them boxed up. It takes a lot of courage, after all, to face our inner demons.

Stuck is a terrific film and can’t wait to see what the director has in store next! Stuck will be released in 2023 as part of a feature anthology.