'Meow' is a horror short I've been waiting all my life to see.
Great characters of exaggerated personality work to kindle a nostalgia for slashers of years past that emphasized entertainment over gore. Shots and camera angles familiar to horror or thriller fans are employed as we know them, or marginally switched up to reflect the narrative content, and thus build a sense of tongue-in-cheek humor. Even the cleverly designed title card, and the fantastic original music by Fangg - atmospheric electronic beats adeptly matching the moods herein - pointedly recall scary movies from the 80s or 90s.
And we haven't even got to the narrative yet. Just as every aspect of the construction is geared toward a particular aim, the thrust of the excellent story is nothing if not a love letter to horror flicks we all know and love. It just so happens that this one centers around a cat. A very adorable, beautiful cat, that may be out for blood.
There's nothing about 'Meow' I don't love. Simple though the characters are, I think the actors on hand are swell and embody the roles well. The special effects - which is to say, above all, blood - look great. Image and sound alike are sharp and clear, and lighting is used to help render some eye-catching shots, or aid in building ambience. Though primarily used as flavor, we even get themes of the human-animal bond, and a marked, deserved jab at landlords. That the plot is recognizable is no mark against this feature - that's the whole point. And it's executed so exquisitely, with just the right measure of mystery and ominous portent, so as to not actually reveal all until the psychological moment.
If I lavished any further praise on this little movie I'd be betraying story beats. All due commendations to film-maker Chris Jopp, wearing hats here as writer, director, editor, and producer. He has crafted a film at once silly, brilliant, bloody, fun, thrilling - and solid in every way. 'Meow' is an essential watch for cat lovers and horror fans alike, but is such a blast that it's a fine choice for a general audience.
Now pardon me while I watch it again and snuggle with my kitties.
Highest recommendation!
