Another Sundance has come and gone. In the process of its short time with us this year, it has given us some of what could be the most talked about movies of the year. No doubt, Fresh will be a point of conversation in March when it comes to Hulu this March. It was already one of the most discussed films of the festival. Nanny, which took home the top prize, will potentially earn its anticipation as well, especially in the wake of writer-director Nikyatu Jusu teaming up with Jordan Peele for her next project. Sundance also gave birth to some truly hidden gems like Hatching and Piggy, the film which earned the most acclaim from me during our coverage.
Sometimes in these types of festivals the feature length films get all of the attention. The more festivals I cover, and even now planning our own festival, I can’t help but be blown away by short films. Every festival we’ve ever done, I’ve often overlooked the short films, but the tide is starting to change on that front. I would argue that short films are harder to do because you essentially have less time to convey an effective story. The shorts at this year’s Sundance film festival are a mixed bag. Some of them truly stood out. Here are a few thoughts on this year’s selection of horror shorts.
6. Bugcrush (Pollywag Pictures)
A couple of the shorts you’re going to find on this list are actually anniversary shorts. Due to the fact that Sundance celebrated its 40th anniversary, the festival resurrected some short films from its past. Bugcrush first screened during the 2006 festival. It tells the story of a young teenager struggling to find his sexual identity. The short is one of the darkest episodes of Degrassi never to air. While I commend the filmmaker’s vision for an honest depiction of finding yourself sexually, it’s the last ten minutes of the film that land it so low on the list. The writing and acting for the first two thirds are extraordinary. However, it’s the feeling of hopelessness that the film leaves you with that feels out of tune with the remainder of the story. This is one of the most uncomfortable viewing experiences I’ve had in recent memory. I would place it on par with the final episode of 13 Reasons Why’s second season - if you know, you know.
5. Huella (Gabriela Ortega)
It is probably not on anyone’s list to see a loved one taking their last breaths. Imagine that scene from Straight Outta Compton when Ice Cube didn’t want to see Easy-E in a coma. It’s a pretty common response. Huella depicts a young female who chooses this route and explores the five stages of grief following the death of her grandmother. This is, perhaps, one of the most creative ways I’ve ever seen this subject depicted. It’s brutally honest, wonderfully shot, and spectacularly acted, not to mention it is also one of the most original ways I’ve seen the five stages of grief delivered. It moves at a breakneck speed and offers the viewer everything from dancing to ghost stories.
4. Kitchen Sink (Hibiscus Films)
Much like Bugcrush, this one is another anniversary short. This one comes all the way from the 1980s though. This one borders on the strange side, but when you talk about horror - why not get strange? Sometimes the stranger the better. Sink tells the story of a woman who retrieves a hairball from her kitchen sink, which eventually evolves into a full grown man. Once fully grown, she keeps him as her partner. This short really stands out from the others on this list. It is beautifully delivered in black and white but also with very minimal dialogue. Perhaps one of the most creative shorts on this list, Kitchen Sink is a timeless film that depicts our need for companionship. As a mental health outlet, this film speaks volumes about that truth. Whether it’s a romantic partner or friend, we all need someone.
3. Night Bus (Joe Hsieh)
Much like Kitchen Sink, this one has another stand out detail. Night Bus is the only animated movie on this list. The animation style is very hard to describe. It feels like a tonally muted version of South Park with its color palette mixed with the unique animation of Violence Voyager from a few years ago. Visually this is a huge stand out from this year’s festival. Night Bus is about a group of individuals who take a bus at night until tensions get high when dark secrets begin to pour out. Honestly, this is one of the biggest surprises from this year’s festivals. To say this film is brutal would be an understatement. Its use of violence is equally as surprising. Buckle up for this one.
2. Appendage (20th Digital Studio)
Appendage is effectively simple. Writer-director Anna Zlokovic draws us into the cut-throat world of fashion designing when a young designer begins to grow a second person on her side. This movie is the shortest on this list. The practical effects on this short are incredible. This is in every way a love story back to the creature feature films of the 80s. Despite the brilliant performances of Rachel Sennott and Eric Roberts, it’s the practical effects that steal the show. This is one of the most bizarre things I’ve seen in a while. Even with its strangeness it manages to still capture the mental health aspects of pursuing perfection. Perhaps the best thing to say about this short isn’t the performances or effects but rather its character development.
Sennott’s short arc manages to convey great depth in its six minutes. Know that if you are struggling with perfectionism that it is okay not to be okay, or to fall short. None of us are perfect. Chasing those unattainable goals will leave you empty and unfulfilled. No matter how high you climb, it will never feel like it’s enough. Understand that you are enough right where you are in life.
1 . While Mortals Sleep (Video Horse Films)
This film left me speechless. With its warm cinematography and stunning effects, While Mortals Sleep tells the story of a struggling author who stumbles upon a cult and finds herself deeper than expected. This short moves at a slow pace, but it’s what makes it so effective. It has one of the most bizarre endings I’ve ever seen and oddly enough it rings with The Suicide Squad vibes. I can’t tell you why. While Mortals Sleep feels, in every way imaginable, like a throwback to the 80s. It is partially true crime, partially science fiction, but all of it is horror. I’m proud to announce that we’ll be bringing this short to our first ever film festival, Horrific Hope, in the spring. I want more people to see this movie so I have more people to talk about this with. While Mortals Sleep is an incredible short film.
Mental Health Moment: I’ve already addressed some of the themes in each one of these shorts but I want to challenge you as the reader to cherish life. These six films equal the length of one film, but each one has the challenge of conveying effective stories in little bits of time. Life offers moments like that each and every day. Whether it’s something small like kissing a loved one goodbye, watching the sun rise or set, or watching an episode of our favorite show, or getting to finally see that movie: slow down and cherish the short films of life that we experience each and every day. These are the moments that can be breaks from depression or suicidal tendencies. You never truly do know. Celebrate yourself and celebrate life.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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