PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I am a fan of short films. Some of the best horror films I’ve seen have been short films. I was intrigued and looking forward to seeing the GenreBlast 2023 block of shorts, The Accursed Hat Trick. The description of the block was right up my alley.
Three long shorts that will leave your jaw on the floor and your mind blown…
This block did not disappoint. Let’s find out more about these GenreBlast films.
Biters and Bleeders (2023)
Directed by Charlie Carson Monroe and Raven Angeline Whisnant. Stars Christopher Malcolm, Raven Angeline Whisnant and Joyce Wood
Synopsis:
Dispossessed couple Tad and Penelope have fallen on hard times. Beneath the thin veneer of their marriage lies a rotting core of regret, frustration, and contempt. When Tad’s mother unexpectedly dies and Tad comes into possession of his family home, he believes it will be the key to solving everything. But what awaits them in that house is not salvation. What awaits them is the final push that will finally send them toppling over that razor-thin edge into true despair.
My Thoughts:
This film delves into so many things that are considered terrifying for me, a toxic marriage, a trapped wife with a domineering husband who acts not only abusive but exhibits weird tendencies. Worse.. so many creepy, crawly bugs, I had to close my eyes a a few times, and I still can feel my skin crawling.
Blank (2022)
Directed by Avishai Weinberger. Stars Nayib Felix, Quentin Thomson and Tova Umetuka
Synopsis:
A young woman slowly loses her mind.
My Thoughts:
This GenreBlast short is creepy within the likes of the film, Smile. It held my interest, and I had no idea it was going to end like that! It’s a story that will make you second guess what is actually going on every step of the way. Is she really losing her mind? The ending was perfect.
Some Visitors (2022)
Directed by Paul Hibbard. Stars Clayton Bury, Jackie Kelly, Carlie Lawrence and Richard Louis Ulrich
Synopsis:
A woman mourning the loss of a child is home alone in an area that has been afflicted with recent home invasions. She receives a knock on the door from a mysterious man who wants to be let inside.
My Thoughts:
This short has touches of The Strangers and The Purge. Home invasion films are terrifying to me. Your home is your sanctuary, and to have someone violate that is horrifying. This one was so tense and well done. I never even caught on to the twist until it happened. I would love to see this one as a full length film.
All of these selections from GenreBlast 2023’s The Accursed Hat Trick are must sees. They are all well crafted films with great performances, and include twists and jaw dropping moments and endings. Thank you GenreBlast for showing these shorts. If you get a chance to see these films, please do!
