PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Midnight Movies… A movie phenomenon that began in the 1950s that has continued throughout the decades. Usually considered a low budget and/or cult movie, with a creature of some sort running amuck, and shown with a host such as Joe Bob Briggs (read our interview with him here) or Elvira. Later on, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) changed the dynamic of the Midnight Movie genre to be more of a campy experience. Either way, I am a fan of these movies. I actually own a lot of them in those DVD collections you may have seen out there. I had the opportunity to watch the Midnight Movie Short Block for the Final Girls Berlin Film Festival. All of these movies satisfied my love for that genre of horror. So much talent and fun! Here are my thoughts on this block of movies.
Friendsgiving, Dir. by PopHorror contributor Samantha Kolesnik (USA)
Synopsis:
A young woman attends a Friendsgiving party hosted by refined cannibals.
My Thoughts:
This brilliant film gave me both a laugh and a cringe in just the right amounts. I loved this film! A definite must see for the holidays as well.
You can read another PopHorror writer’s thoughts on this one here.
Nepenthes, Dir. Ariel Hansen (Canada)
Synopsis:
Max is desperate to make a meaningful connection, but when she decides to meet an online dating match at home she gets herself into a painfully sticky situation.
My Thoughts:
This film is at the top of my list of favorites in the Midnight Movie Short Block. I liked the blend of technology and horror. I love when filmmakers create different ways to use our current technologies to creep us out. This film gave me the heebie jeebies, and the special effects are on point!
You can read another PopHorror writer’s thoughts on this one here.
Road Trash, Dir. Natasha Pascetta (USA)
Synopsis:
Road Trash is a short horror film about a girl who is addicted to burying roadkill. One day, she unknowingly buries a werewolf. The burial incites the beast, and he escapes his grave to stalk the girl around the town she lives in.
My Thoughts:
This one is so much fun! I absolutely enjoyed every moment. I am a sucker for werewolf films. Natasha Pascetta directed, wrote and starred in this flick. This one did not disappoint, and Heather Langenkamp narrates! Perfect!
Call Girl, Dir. Jill Gevargizian (USA)
Synopsis:
In one man’s attempt to exploit his date night via video-chat, he ends up sharing something far more disturbing.
My Thoughts:
This is Jill Gevargizian’s first short film, and it is a good one! Fans of The Human Centipede (Full Sequence) will recognize Laurence R. Harvey as Ed. It plays out much like you’d think, to a point, but there is an excellent twist at the end! Read more about Jill Gevargizian in our interview with her here.
Donor, Dirs. Lori Alex & Aria Sini (Canada)
Synopsis:
An altruistic vlogger, feeling underappreciated by the person whose life she helped save, decides to take her blood donation back.
My Thoughts:
Again, I like that this film includes modern technology and a creative way to incorporate that. Admit it, we’ve all have had the thought that no one appreciates what you do for them. This movie takes it way above and beyond that simple thought. It’s brutal and gory and I felt my stomach churn, in particular the end.
You can read more on this short and even watch it here.
The Stare, Dir. Louisa Weichmann (Australia)
Synopsis:
A young woman catches the last train home only to encounter an unnerving homeless man staring at her unflinchingly from the far end of the carriage.
My Thoughts:
This film is done well. The unnerving aspect is perfect, especially if you have ridden the last train of the night. But it doesn’t end there. Stare will stay with you long after you get home.
The Body Corporate, Dir. Stepanka Cervinkova (Australia)
Synopsis:
During a corporate mediation meeting, two women realize the only solution to their sexual harassment problem is complete carnage.
My thoughts:
This film is exactly what we need in our current times. I enjoyed it so very much. It is witty, but don’t let that fool you. The horror is definitely there! It even had a twinge of Death Becomes Her to me.
You can check out a trailer for this one here.
Eternity, Dir. Pina Brutal (Germany)
Synopsis:
An erotic horror in the name of all angry strippers.
My Thoughts:
This one did not disappoint. It is exactly what you think, but bloodier!
Eat Me, Dir. Helena Aguilera (Mexico)
Synopsis:
Inside a restaurant, a woman gets attacked by two policemen. What they don’t know is that they will soon become the victims.
My Thoughts:
This film executes a supernatural aspect that is so original. It has a twist at the end that I relished in the glory of it!
That wraps up the Midnight Movie Short Block. There’s so much diverse talent out there, and much of it is made by, stars in, and centers around females. If you have an opportunity to watch any of these films, do not hesitate.
