WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
They haunt the night. They covet our dreams. Lurking in shadows, under our beds, in foreboding forests, in depth of seas or winging through ashen skies–monsters. Most often, they keep our conscious minds in a state of apprehension unlike most any other phobia, a state of complete and utter fear. Jenn (Caitlin Carmichael), a young girl living within the confines of a basement space, knows about monsters. Staying in hiding from the apocalyptic world above her head, she has vague notions about the beasts inhabiting a devastated world. Yet, fear is losing its hold on her.
Kept in check by her parents Henry and Marie (Christopher Wiehl & Ione Skye) plus an older brother, Isaac (Joey Luthman), Jenn steals away moments when the others are out scavenging to train and prepare herself to one end–facing the fiends beyond the door of the family’s shelter. When precise moments come about, Jenn’s prep work enters the picture, and a time to make her intended move arrives. But, still unaware of exactly what she’ll encounter, she quickly learns that sometimes, certain facts, certain truths, are much better left untouched, undiscovered, and never experienced.
Next, my Mind:
Writer/director Steve Desmond and co-writer Michael Sherman elevate the independent horror/thriller short film genre to a new level of quality with this amazingly well-executed, 13-minute effort sure to turn heads when viewed, well, anywhere! Thanks to its excellent overall narrative, tight dialogue, professional-level cinematography, and brilliant casting, the story grabs the viewer and takes them on one fully intense, visually potent, and honestly profound journey into a young girl’s circumstance and determination to seek out that which she has feared for far to long, regardless of risks, and despite protests of family. Add the fantastically apropos soundtrack just oozing with tone and mood-creating elements, it’s the full package.
Merit and an equally apropos level of acknowledgement is given here to Skye and Wiehl as the genuine, seemingly overprotective parents Marie and Henry, whose travels outside their cramped domicile and the dangers therein are highlighted effectively by the gas masks and weaponry carried. Consideration for Jenn’s well-being is paramount, and they show it. Likewise, Luthman’s Isaac character is the perfect portrait of an older sibling, exuding that “let’s scare little sister with ghastly tales of the outside world” attitude in spades, knowing though there’s also concern for her well-being there still.
But, truthfully, this film is unequivocally owned by Carmichael, a total wonder as Jenn, portraying so acutely both the youthful innocence of a girl, yet the dogged and quite overt resolve of someone beyond her age to conquer the fears she feels she no longer possesses. Standing firm and emoting tremendously well, Carmichael navigates the emotional spectrum of Jenn’s character with the poise and grace of a seasoned actor and makes you believe every moment, especially in the absolutely stunning finale. After all, monsters aren’t actually real—-right?
In summary, “Monsters” is the style of horror/thriller mixed with other components that begs to be taken beyond it’s short film format and into the feature length realms. This reviewer can only hope for such action to be taken with this incredible project, among other projects that can be explored at his website, Dreamingants.com. When a work can play upon your deepest anxieties, disquiet your nerves, and deliver a punch like this, it’s further confirmation indie cinema is very much alive and seriously kicking!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
