PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Between festivals and screeners, I’ve watched so many great horror shorts this year, but they never cease to amaze me with their individual greatness. There’s one that I had been wanting to watch forever called Porcelain Stare, and I finally found the time. Let’s just say that I’m so glad I did.
Wickedly Cool Poster for Porcelain Stare!
This mysterious horror short was directed and written by Robin Rippmann (In Violet: Entomophobia 2014). It has an amazing cast starring Mia Miljko (Tilt 2017) and Veronika Herren-Wenger (Rose Wagner 2013).
Synopsis for Porcelain Stare
A young girl is invited for tea by an old woman. Little does she know that the woman harbors a terrible secret that will soon be uncovered.
Dolls – especially porcelain dolls – tend to freak me out. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched them in too many horror films (is that even possible?), or possibly it’s because of their glossy, sinister eyes. Their presence just gives me the heebie-jeebies, and this hauntingly spectacular horror story reassures that very fear.
From beginning to end, the short delivers a well-crafted and visually appealing story. The visuals really popped, and I loved taking in all the details… yes, I even kinda liked the creepy porcelain dolls hanging out everywhere. No words are really spoken throughout the short, which makes it even more successful at being effectively creepy.
Although you know something bad is going to happen, you’re not quite sure what to expect. The girl willingly steps into a stranger’s house for tea, and nothing good can ever come from that. But what does happen?
I won’t tell you. You’ll have to watch it for yourself. But let’s just say it’s horrifyingly delightful and ensures that I won’t ever own a porcelain doll… nor will I ever drink a stranger’s sweet tea.
As I mentioned before, no words are spoken throughout the short’s run time, but it doesn’t take away from the strong and memorable performances given by Miljko and Herren-Wenger. If anything, being dialogue-less makes the short stick out even more.
Final Thoughts
Since the start of its festival run last October, this film has screened at 23 fests in 8 countries and has won 4 awards so far. Porcelain Stare is one that I’d recommend over and over again, and is, by far, of the best horror shorts I’ve seen this year. It’s definitely in my top 5. Check it out when you can and stay tuned for updates from PopHorror!
