This film is set in 1997, and it begins at the SONU Broadcasting Headquarters, where we are introduced to a couple of ridiculously dressed reviewers, who are discussing three SONU Mavico advertisements that have been rejected from mainstream media. With each story, we come to learn what the digital camera is capable of, and the reasons behind the banned advertisements. Then it seamlessly segways into the first segment of the film, where we see a woman taking a photograph with her 1997 digital camera, of a painting in an art gallery, and what eventuates is truly ghastly. We return back to the reviewers, who seem rather unfazed by what is going on - I like that their reactions are not what we would expect as it adds to the comedic tone. Then into the second segment, where three young people enter a forested area, and what occurs there is sure to make you slightly sickened! Awesome for that, had me sitting on the edge of my seat. We transition back to the narrators, as they delve into the third and final segment. A woman finding out her husband is cheating on her. What transpires is horrendous, to say the least. Although these are short little segments, they each seem to carry a message, about being careful of what we do, as our actions can come back to bite, the second lesson is that you are never safe in the wilderness, and the last lesson is not to mess with a woman scorned.
I can see that a lot of work went into the making of this short film, especially in terms of the makeup, costumes, prosthetics, visual effects, sound effects, physical props, cinematography, as well as the savage carnage we see playing out in each segment. I commend the team behind the film for the intricate depictions and excellent attention to details. Although there is quite a lot going on, considering the running time is only 15-minutes, I think this was well contained and delivered appropriately. It is made easy to follow along with the storyline.
The gore is top notch cringy and scary - with a twist of parody that isn't taking away the overall effect of the film. Plus, such a brilliant concept, so simple, a camera with a taste for blood! I was gripped in tension from start to finish. This is what I like about short horror films, the technicalities that go into making a short film in such a short length of time. It always excites me to see a short anthology when it is successful, like this one. I appreciate how this film interweaves the camera into each of the individual segments, almost like the camera is the antagonist character in the film. I also found the interludes where we see the video players mechanisms internal system operating, as I believe this adds texture and layering to the overall authentic feel of the film and the era the film is set in. It makes me grateful that we are no longer in those times before the technological advances we now have. I also enjoyed the 90s sitcom music; it was very nostalgic.
I have seen a lot of horror comedy films in my years as an independent horror film reviewer. From the likes of the greatest, Sir Peter Jackson, Sam Raimi, Rob Zombie and the likes. To pull off a successful film in this genre is complex and technical, especially given the short length, it can make it extremely challenging. So, it is always refreshing to see an independent filmmaker, like Rene Rivas, who can deliver what big budget films can only achieve in a feature length film - into a 15-minute time frame! This shows me that the people behind this short film are exceptionally driven and committed to ensure its success. That is essentially what I am looking for in short films like this, if they can deliver a well plotted film, that I can see the cast and crew working hard to ensure it meets its goals.
I support independent filmmakers, because they are leading the way in the horror genre, as Hollywood falls apart, and with films like this, that are unconventional and not the typical generic Hollywood horror, it is encouraging to see that although some Indie films are hit and miss, this little gem is one of the successful ones. We need to ensure Indie creators have a voice, it is imperative to the horror genre that we keep Indie filmmakers in the front, leading the horror genre into uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries when it comes to gore, and ramping it up with some comedic expositions to lighten the extremely horrific images.
If you want to see something different in the horrorsphere, this is one to watch! You won't regret it! This film will surely please all horror fans.
