Horror Short ‘9 Pasos’ (2017) Is A Masterclass In Establishing Dread

Written and directed by Un Lugar Mejor’s (2013) Marisa Crespo and Moisés Romera, 9 Pasos (9 steps) is a horror short that packs a lot of terror into seven minutes. The film stars Jordi Ballester (The Sea Inside 2004) and the debut of Pablo Muñoz.

Synopsis:

Saul’s father is losing patience with his son who wakes him up every night. But Saul is very afraid of the dark corridor between his room and the bathroom.

As someone who spent most of her childhood absolutely petrified of the dark, I completely sympathized with Saul (Muñoz) right from the start of this film. The filmmakers made that corridor seem like it was about a mile long and as dark as a black hole. Saul was just a pale, shaking, soft-spoken child looking to his imposing father for help. Although, I can’t say that he was exactly helpful, instead choosing to tell his son he needed to grow up and stop being a baby.

I loved 99.9% of 9 Pasos. I really did. The filmmakers set the tension up so well that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time… right up until the end. And then came the very end… Oh, dear. What a letdown. I won’t spoil it by giving away the details, but the finish was disappointing compared to the incredible set up that had come before it. That being said, this is still a great watch and a brilliant masterclass in how to establish dread. Worth the watch for sure!