The 20th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival was one of the highlights of this summer. The fest celebrates short films and filmmakers across all genres. They had so many sections of work dedicated to thrillers, sci-fi, and a little bit of Midnight Madness. While I loved seeing all corners of the horror umbrella celebrated, I am here to tell you about the 8 shorts that lived in this horror section. Check out this roundup and be on the lookout for these titles and directors.
Agonist
Written and Directed by: Annie Marie Elliot
Synopsis: A grieving young man falls into the final act of a cult leader’s ritual. Seven friends, each representing a deadly sin, are drawn into a cult, seeking personal growth. Unaware of its true nature, they find their darkest traits magnified, spiraling into chaos.
My Verdict: This short has one of the most creative uses I have ever seen for the 9 of Pentacles tarot card. It also had a few characters who I love to hate and wish I had gotten more time with. This is definitely a short that I would like to see become a feature film.
I Could Just Die, and That Would Be All Right
Written and Directed by A.K. Espada
Synopsis: A semi-autobiographical suburban fairy tale that explores how mental illness poisons not only those who suffer directly, but our loved ones as well.
My Verdict: This short had some gnarly moments that will make some of you flinch. It is also one of the many shorts in the horror category this year uniquely tackling suicide. There is a lot to unpack with the not quite living but not quite dead feeling that is probably very relatable to all of us living in a constant string of unprecedented times.
Inner Demons
Written and Directed by Jasmine J. Johnson
Synopsis: A chilling exploration of the human mind’s darkest corners, exploring the nature of internal strife where the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurs.
My Verdict: I definitely saw some Jordan Peele influences with this one. However, this is one of the few times those influences have been used for good. This short is packing some sick visuals that will stay with you long after the credits are over. However, this film is also a love letter to Black women that reminds us that we do not have to carry the world on our shoulders. It is okay for us to ask for help when we are struggling with mental health.
Rat!
Written and Directed by Neal Suresh Mulani
Synopsis: When a chronically online music journalist encounters a global pop star’s latest queerbaiting single, he seizes the moment, turns on his camera, and expresses some choice words for the vapid musician– and their fans. But as his social capital rises and the internet is set ablaze, he unknowingly traces a bold-faced arrowhead to his front doorstep, where the pop star’s overzealous fans show up to wreak havoc and seek retribution.
My Verdict: This short film had some very cute moments while commenting on the internet’s obsession with celebrity culture and the backlash people receive when they have a different opinion. However, when it finally turns on the creepy factor as the threats move a little too close to home, it really picks up steam. Everyone with a Twitter account has probably seen some unsettling stan activity that makes this story very timely.
Room Tone
Written Michael Gabriele and Danny Rhodes and Directed by Michael Gabriele
Synopsis: When a sound guy’s attempt to capture “room tone” is constantly thwarted by the noisy antics of his coworkers, he takes extreme measures to achieve silence.
My Verdict: Sets are stressful environments, and there are a ton of thankless jobs found within the industry. So, I cackled when this short revealed itself to be a fun exploration of that premise. This was a pleasant little surprise that will remind you to thank your crew members. It’s also a reminder that not all of the best characters are necessarily in front of the camera.
Stains
Written and Directed by Joseph Burch
Synopsis: Stains is a psychological horror film shot to evoke the horror films of the ’70s, utilizing Kodak 16mm film. Principal photography took place over four days in Alhambra, California.
My Verdict: This short is a psychological horror tackling domestic abuse. Not only does it dive under the surface of the topic, but it also does it intriguingly. There is much to chew on with this one. I am still unsure how I feel. I cannot wait for more people to check it out and weigh in.
The Thaw
Written and Directed by Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple
Synopsis: Set in the late 19th century in the challenging Vermont hills. Ruth and her aging parents, Alma and Timothy, struggle to subsist on a failing farm after Ruth is abandoned by her unfaithful husband. They turn to a remedy as old as the hills. A potion that allows the elderly and infirm to sleep out the winter months while frozen and packed in snow to be safely revived in the spring.
My Verdict: I was not expecting a black-and-white period piece. I was also not expecting the short to refuse to take any easy ways out. Once you think you know the shape of this story, it abruptly shifts and becomes even more sinister. I definitely had to watch this a couple of times to catch some of the more subtle details.
Wake
Written and Directed by Sean Carter
Synopsis: Wake is a short, fictional drama detailing a man’s experience of the aftermath of losing his wife and soon-to-be daughter.
My Verdict: This was a beautifully shot film about loss. This short was an exploration of grief without dialogue. It was also another movie in the horror section dealing with suicide. While many viewers might want more, I think it accomplishes what it came to do and does it quickly. I cannot be mad at that.
Do you have some FOMO about missing the 20th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival? Bookmark their site to ensure you snag a ticket to next year’s fest.
