PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve had one hell of a fun time watching films and shorts for Nightmares Film Festival 2020. One of the best festivals of the year, hands down. I had the privilege of checking out the short films block, Horror Comedy Shorts – B, and all of the films were the amazing!
Fucking Ghosts
Directed by Jason Cook with a cast starring Colin Ferguson (Ditched), Ben Morrison (Like a good Neighbor), Natalie Lynch (Imaginary Friends), Piotr Michael (Wizards), and Isabel Herrman.
Synopsis:
A parody film trailer about a family that buys a new home that is haunted by horny ghosts.
This was probably the funniest horror short of the block and the name says it all. It’s hilarious, dirty, and made me laugh. I loved everything about it and the characters were great.
Little Willy
Directed by Andrew Bowser with a cast starring Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), Andrew Bowser (Welcome to the Shadow Zone), Zach Galligan (Gremlins) and A.J. Danna (Bunk’d).
Synopsis:
A former child actor, known for the 1980s horror film Little Willy, has a mental breakdown in his mid-30s while attending a horror convention.
Actors who were once child stars have the reputation of being washed up and only known for the one character they played. This film highlights this beautifully with just the perfect mix of horror comedy. You knew the main character was going to lose his shit at any point. It also has a killer cast of horror royalty including Adrienne Barbeau, Andrew Bowser, and Zach Galligan.
The Claw
Directed by Lael Rogers with a cast starring Avital Ash, Sidney Jayne Hunt, Alaji Marie, and Ian Edlund.
Synopsis:
The lead singer of a Seattle punk band struggles to keep it together when her performance anxiety takes an unexpected form.
Nothing says punk rock more than a claw for a hand, right? This short was fantastic and I loved how everything played out. The characters had great chemistry and they felt like a real band.
The Greatest Horror Film Ever Made
Directed by Brandon Jordan who also stars in the film alongside Vince Harrington, Stormi Maya, and more.
Synopsis:
Based on the true story of a group of friends attempting to make a movie, and the massacre of what could have easily been The Greatest Horror Film Ever Made.
This was another one of my favorites of the group. Brandon Jordan’s commentary was hilarious and I’ve never seen a short or film quite done like this but it worked perfectly. I loved all the stereotypes and what if scenarios.
Green Cobra
Directed by Sigurd Culhane with a cast starring Colleen Foy (There Will Be Blood), Patrick Tamisiea (Bryers Cucumber Tostinos), and Greg Santos (American Housewife).
Synopsis:
In an abandoned warehouse just outside of town with thick walls and plenty drainage, no one can hear you scream.
Out of all the shorts, this one was probably the most brutal but still had enough comedy to make you laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. Although not the most ethical form of therapy, I must applaud the leading lady for her efforts and creativity. It was very original, fun, and extra bloody!
Tall Betsy
Directed by Kyle Wallace with a cast starring Daniel Montgomery (Redway Manor) Riley Rose Critchlow (Timeless), and Deirdre V. Lyons (The Willows).
Synopsis:
On Daniel’s first night living with his BFF Riley, a discussion about childhood monsters leads to the haunting reason why Riley’s previous roommate moved out – and someone (or something) in the closet…
This one felt like an episode of Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? but an adult version of the two. It was cute, fun, and you just know something was about to jump out at you… waiting to scare you.
Exterminator
Directed by Duncan Birmingham with a cast starring Robert Belushi (Devil’s Due), Frances Chewning (Only Humans), Fiona Dourif (Tenet).
Synopsis:
An unemployed man with a mouse problem becomes increasingly disturbed by his new exterminator.
As a lover of all things furry and an owner of rats, I was a little worried about how this one would turn out but I loved it. The main character was a pretty humble dude and wanted to get rid of the rats/mice in an humane way. You can see his limits being pushed by his wife and the exterminator every time they open their mouths, and it’s just a matter of time before he loses it. All of the acting was phenomenal and it’s always great seeing Fiona Dourif.
Clairvoyant
Directed by JoVaughn Trammell with a cast starring Beka as Martha, Renee LoSapio as Melissa, and Bill Russell as Melissa’s father.
Synopsis:
A grieving and heartbroken young women’s need to understand her father’s death leads her to spending $200 on a bargain-basement séance conducted by a psychic she finds on Craigslist.
I thought this one was hilarious and delivered karma at its finest. Being a fake psychic and taking ones money is all fun and games until a spirit happens to appear right next to you and you have no clue what to do. I loved the story and the characters in this one. So good!
All of these horror shorts were phenomenal. The perfect fix of horror and comedy and all unique in their own way. Nightmares Film Festival remains to be one of the best festivals out there and always delivers #betterhorror.
