Horror
Documented
Written by Brandon Young
Warning – This review may contain spoilers.
Documented follows the disturbing story of a father-son duo, Ted and Cole, who have spent years as serial killers, with Cole documenting their crimes through his camera. Known as “The Butcher,” the pair’s reign of terror spans the 70s and 80s. As Cole grows older, the central conflict arises—his desire for independence comes into direct conflict with his father’s need to keep their twisted partnership intact. The camera, which Cole uses to capture their gruesome exploits, becomes a key symbol of control, documenting not only their crimes but the evolving power struggle between father and son. The theme of generational trauma runs deep, and the psychological tension is palpable as Cole begins to question his future in the shadow of his father’s influence.
I found the concept of Documented fascinating, especially how it explores the darker sides of family loyalty and control. The relationship between Ted and Cole is at the heart of the story, and their conflict drives much of the tension. However, it’s hard to feel a true emotional connection to either character, given their psychopathic tendencies. While I appreciated the unique take on a father-son serial killer team, the script lacks that emotional depth that might make the audience care more about Cole’s internal conflict. The subplot involving Cole’s relationship with Amber had the potential to bring some complexity to his character but ended up feeling underdeveloped, which weakened the emotional impact.
I thought the screenplay was well-formatted overall, with few issues when it came to grammar, spelling, or punctuation. That said, the heavy focus on camera angles and placement really pulled me out of the narrative at times. I understand that the camera plays a big role in the story, almost becoming a character itself, but it felt a bit too directive. I found myself distracted by the overuse of camera descriptions, which detracted from the scenes rather than adding to them.
The story’s pacing felt solid for the most part, though there were moments where I wanted to know more about the backstory between Ted and Cole. Understanding more about how Cole got to this point—being raised by a serial killer—would have made his character arc even more compelling. I also felt that more could be done to develop the generational trauma theme. There are hints at Ted’s past and the violent legacy passed down, but expanding on that would give the story more emotional weight.
I think Documented is a gripping horror story with a unique angle. It’s a bold concept and I can see it working well during a table read, especially for audiences who are drawn to psychological horror and family conflict.
Fantasy
The Pearl Comb – The Watchlist
Recently, a short film caught my attention after being selected at several Oscar-qualifying festivals around the country. That film is The Pearl Comb.
In 1893, an endearing Cornish fisherman’s wife captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to cure someone of tuberculosis. A doctor—determined to prove that a woman’s place is in the home and not in medicine—is sent to investigate her miraculous claim, only to discover the source of her unearthly power.
The film is directed by Ali Cook, who’s no stranger to making compelling shorts. His previous work, The Cunning Man, screened at 88 international festivals and won 33 awards.
Several aspects of The Pearl Comb stood out to me, the first being its production design. I’m a stickler for immersive storytelling, and this film pulled me right into 1893 Cornwall. Everything—from the sound design to the visual details—kept me rooted in the world, never distracted by anything outside the moment.
Speaking of sound design, it was spot-on. It didn’t feel overly polished just for the sake of clarity—it felt natural, lived-in, and perfectly matched the tone of the story.
Ali Cook not only directed but also took on the role of the doctor, delivering a layered performance while crafting a well-thought-out, multi-dimensional story.
Beattie Edney was outstanding in her role. Every moment she was on screen felt authentic and fully in service of the story. She made it look effortless, but having seen many films this season at the Utah International Film Festival, I can say her performance could be a masterclass for many actors.
Clara Paget, the Mermaid, has a natural ability to command the viewer’s attention. Her performance was subtle yet intense, with an impressive range—from meek and humble to ferocious and otherworldly. Her ability to communicate so much with just her eyes was remarkable.
The film also owes much of its success to cinematographer Dave Miller. Dave shaped the lighting and color as if they were another character in the story. Many horror-leaning films hide in shadow, but here, every detail of the set was visible while still maintaining a consistent, moody tone. A standout moment for me was the light in the tank toward the end—an inspired choice that gave the climax a vital splash of color.
This production clearly had an entire team operating at a high level across every department—something you’d expect from a modest-budget feature rather than a short. This wasn’t five friends with a camera; this was a small army, and they all delivered.
Pro tip: don’t leave the theater too soon—you’ll miss a post-credit scene.
Filmmakers often ask me what they can do to improve their short to increase festival success. In this case, I have no notes. The Pearl Comb is fantastic, and I’ll personally be championing it for festivals I’m involved with. It’s that good.
Horror
Hidden
Directed by Matthew P. Camacho
WARNING! This review contains spoilers.
“Hidden” is a short film that captures the terror of isolation, focusing on the idea that fear often strikes hardest when we’re alone. The plot centers around a woman named Jewel, trapped in a closet, seemingly hiding from an unseen presence. The story aims to explore how fear can become overwhelming when there’s no escape and how the mind can play tricks in such situations.
If I were to program this film, I’d place it in a screening block emphasizing its focus on psychological horror and the fear of the unknown. The film opens with impressive visuals—lighting is dynamic, creating a haunting atmosphere that sets the stage for a tense experience. The sound design starts strong, enhancing the unsettling mood with ominous echoes and reverberations that echo Jewel’s growing fear. Despite these strong technical elements, the film struggles to maintain its initial momentum, as the cinematography becomes repetitive, relying on medium-close shots with color shifts that add little to the narrative. Editing also feels unmotivated, with the pacing failing to build the kind of suspense expected from a horror short.
As for the story, Hidden presents a straightforward scenario of fear manifesting in isolation, but it’s hard to grasp the broader narrative or deeper meaning behind Jewel’s plight. While the film does capture the essence of terror in a confined space, it falls short of delivering a satisfying or clear conclusion. I found myself wondering about the nature of the threat, what Jewel was truly hiding from, and whether there was more to her backstory. Audiences looking for a more layered psychological experience may feel underwhelmed by the lack of story progression.
Personally, the film resonated with me on the basic level of fear—no one enjoys feeling trapped or threatened, especially in darkness. It does a good job of encapsulating that raw, uncomfortable emotion. However, without a clearer plot or deeper character development, it’s hard to maintain that connection throughout. Hidden succeeds in capturing the initial fright but struggles to sustain its impact beyond that moment.
Fantasy
Artifex
Directed by Alan Lucchetti
WARNING! This review contains spoilers.
“Artifex” tells the story of a modern-day Renaissance man who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his mysterious condition, all while keeping it hidden from those closest to him. As the protagonist dives into this quest, he finds himself at the crossroads of history, myth, and the supernatural. The film sets an intriguing tone, combining elements of drama and thriller with a sense of ever-present darkness.
If I were to program Artifex at a festival, I’d likely place it in a screening block called “Shadowed Realms” or “Dark Echoes,” highlighting its themes of lurking danger and hidden truths. The sound design plays a crucial role in maintaining suspense, keeping viewers engaged with a sense of impending doom. Lucchetti’s eye for detail is evident, with strong visuals that enhance the story’s dark tone. Close-ups effectively draw attention to key dialogue moments, like the intense scene with the old man in the editing room. The lighting, especially in the opening car wash scene and the sound studio, plays with shadows in a captivating way, adding depth to the atmosphere. However, the use of artistic visuals during dialogue feels more distracting than enhancing, breaking the immersion.
In terms of story, Artifex follows two friends whose bond is tested when one steals a mystical necklace that amplifies the wearer’s voice and grants an almost invincible feeling. The two eventually reconcile, but the film’s narrative lacks clarity. Key elements, such as the significance of the necklace or the protagonist’s motivations, remain unclear. I found myself puzzled by what the main character hoped to achieve by breaking into the house, as well as the purpose of the burning man’s presence. The reconciliation between the friends feels oddly casual given the stakes, leaving me unsure of the protagonist’s emotional journey.
On a personal level, Artifex didn’t resonate deeply with me, mainly due to its confusing plot and lack of narrative momentum. While the film offers some stunning visuals and a haunting atmosphere, the story’s repetitions and minimal conflict kept it from fully engaging me. Despite these issues, the film might appeal to viewers who enjoy visually driven, mood-centric stories. Overall, Artifex presents an ambitious blend of thriller and supernatural drama, but it struggles to deliver a coherent story that matches its atmospheric style.
