WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Hunter vs. prey. It’s a battle that plays out the world over within the animal kingdom, yet we as human beings often seem to consider ourselves the ultimate hunters, being the dominate species on the planet, and that in many ways, we are unconquerable. However, in that hubristic attitude, what then occurs when we find out it just isn’t true? In the backwaters of Mexico, there lies a celebrated, storied fishing locale which a small group has ventured to in order to experience its supposedly epic catches. However, on this particular day, something else has chosen to make itself known–with savage force.
The only member of the expedition remaining, Diane (Lisa Roumain) hurtles through the underbrush and gnarled terrain with only one thing on her mind–survival. The legendary spot has another resident who’s less than enthused about unwanted visitors to the pristine waters it inhabits. Knowing her pursuer, relentless and merciless, will not stop coming for her, Diane simply makes every attempt to hide from the creature, all the while encountering the harsh and gruesome indicators of what fate might await her. Yet, as all seems lost and she makes a last stand for her life, the ensuing results only yield an even more enigmatic encounter.
Next, my Mind:
Delivering a 19-minute effort that both stands on its own yet might just be the first steps and/or proof of concept for further feature-length explorations, writer/director/co-producer and 25-year SFX/creature designer Sandy Collora’s short film excels with the palpable tension, gritty visuals, and an intelligent execution that puts it above “standard” horror fare while still giving viewers and lovers of the genre everything they expect, topped off with an engaging twist for the finale. Crisp cinematography, an effective music score, and fantastic yet very straightforward, non-CGI creatures help carry the project here, along with its potent mix of both blunt, in-your-face and more visceral, leave-it-most-to-the-imagination sequences.
Roumain’s Diane is a study in what could be seen as your “typical” horror movie damsel in distress, yet there’s a deeper truthfulness and integrity in how the actress portrays the character. Yes, she’s fleeing for her life, trying her best to evade the dogged, pitiless creature pursuing her, yet she also showcases a willingness to fight back in any ways possible, and ideally do it as smartly as possible. The fear she experiences is real, and having to endure some initial close calls plays into the usual horror movie M.O., but by the time the surprising ending is coming around and she has embraced her fate, it only makes what actually occurs more compelling. Again, this is all thanks to Roumain’s earnest performance here.
Supporting parts are given to creature actors Jason Liles, Kurt Carley, Todd Christian Hunter, and Matt Cable among several others, and they do quite a wonderful job being formidable, daunting, and intimidating as the denizens of the isolated lake they herald from. But, they aren’t mindless killing machines either (hey, the creatures, not the actors!), which I feel was the draw of the film as well. In total, “Shallow Water” is the kind of horror property that seeing a full-length version of would actually be quite interesting, given the premise of events depicted in this short film version. It continues to illustrate the creativity and talent from the Hollywood ranks are willing to step out and do more independent fare, which so often allows their skills to shine even more brightly.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
