PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve always been a huge fan of shorts! I am amazed when a filmmaker can tell an entire story in a just a few minutes. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review the Local Love: Homegrown Horror series of shorts at the Happenstance Horror Fest this year. The short films did not let me down!
Hey, Missy! – Directed by Joe Taft (The Innkeeper), and starring Alison O’Leary (Split Ways), Justin Gatcomb (Rooks), and Eric Kahn (The Fixer – TV Series).
Synopsis
Missy has a pretty unique kink… luring men into a false sense of sexual bliss before brutally murdering them. She aims to rid herself of this disease, but when her past acts come back to haunt her, she’s forced to face her demons head-on.
What a fun way to get started! O’Leary doesn’t disappoint as a one woman killing machine with a sweet smile and bubbly disposition. If only she could get control of her murder-y disposition. Don’t miss this one!
Chompers – Directed by Chef Joe Gatto and starring Megan Leigh Armstrong (Rockwell), Markus Blivian (The Arm), and Genet Bosque (The Kiss on the Cliff).
Synopsis
A homeless woman finds a pair of evil dentures.
This was certainly a fun one, although I will admit that those who are squeamish about the mouth may want to skip this one. I have no problem watching someone getting their skull split in half but even I shuddered at the thought of anyone shoving a random pair of dentures laying on the street in their mouth.
Fenwick – Directed by Rachel S. Thomas-Medwid (Influence) and starring Joseph Bell (Finding Faith), Jaci Kjernander (Out with It), and Alyson Muzila (Scotch, Please).
Synopsis
An ambitious journalist uncovers dark secrets at the defunct Fenwick School, becoming entangled in its sinister history.
I really enjoyed this one. It had a very tense vibe through the entire film that kept the viewer waiting, worried for the journalist (Bell). Each truth that is doled out to him just increases the air of unease. But can he recognize danger in time?
The Orion Project – Directed by Richard Chandler (Rats) and starring Victoria Paradis (Code Name: Dynastud).
Synopsis
After the lifelong torment of an unknown entity, a woman seeks to set herself free.
Beautifully shot, this is the eeriest film of the bunch, with the narration telling of being hunted without any logic or reason. This is the essence of true horror.
The Chexorcist – Directed by Erica Stockwell-Alpert (The Surrogate) and starring Ashes Homon-Rahall (Multilevel Massacre), Conor McCarthy (The Devil on Derby Street), and Patrick Rahall (Sweet Dreams).
Synopsis
When Jacob starts acting odd — speaking in tongues, levitating, not calling his mother — a local rabbi comes to perform an exorcism.
This was by far the most entertaining of the lot of the films. At turns silly and endearing it was tons of fun to watch and looked like great fun to make too.
Carbon Ghost – Directed by Brandon Wandell and starring Wandell himself and Mei MacQuarrie (Join the Club).
Synopsis
Ava seeks refuge in a church after setting a fire, and is visited by her brother Jamie, who never escaped. Ava learns she can not escape her fate and run from this dark force she invited into this world. Ava has to choose what to do next in order to protect herself, as she could not protect her family from the entity.
Stark, spooky, and eerily lit, this is a film that rests with the talents of MacQuarrie, who handles the role beautifully.
Preparation – Directed by Derek Barrus and Sotorios. The film stars Eric Michaelian (The CruciFire) and Phoebe Kebabian (Amber Oak – TV Series)
Synopsis
A breakup rant live-streamed to an audience of toxic men spirals into something far darker.
We start off with a live stream of a guy who is not having the best day (to say the least) and who is live streaming from his car. Hats off to Michaelian here who really sells the viewer on the despair. While it is clear that he has a plan, there are still a few surprises along the way. Another one to catch for sure!
Shift – Directed by Bridgette Canell (The Hazards of Iris) and starring Hilary Dennis (Escaping Ohio) and Erin Cannell (Solus).
Synopsis
During her shift, Ellie, a forest ranger stationed alone in a remote cabin, begins to sense a malevolent presence stalking her in the middle of the night. With her sanity and life on the line, she must use all her skills and resolve to confront the unknown terror. SHIFT is a chilling exploration of isolation, fear, and the battle to stay alive against a relentless, ancient evil.
I admit I had no idea where this one was going, and I was delighted in the best possible way! Dennis does a terrific job as the terrorized forest ranger, and the effects here are great!
Ursid – Directed by Rob Lee and starring Patrick Rahall (The Chexorcist) and Alexandra Cipolla (Gilgamesh).
Synopsis
A ritual in the park is more than what it seems…
This was the other short that was laugh out loud funny. The women worked great together, I loved Patrick Rahall in the main “male victim” role, and I’d gladly watch this entire ensemble in other films!
Synopsis
Shot on a real battleship, two crew members on a ship think there is something very, very, wrong.
