Till Death Do Us Part

Directed by Jacob Hamblin

Warning – This review contains spoilers

Till Death Do Us Part is a chilling gothic horror short that combines eerie atmosphere and a dark, twisted tale of love and obsession. The story follows Alden Pryer, an undertaker’s apprentice desperate to marry the woman of his dreams. In his desperation, he digs up the corpse of a murdered bride to steal her ring, only to unleash a vengeful spirit that threatens his very life.

From a technical standpoint, Till Death Do Us Part shines in its use of lighting, sound, and editing to enhance the gothic horror tone. The lighting is particularly effective, casting shadows and creating a sense of dread that permeates every frame. The shot compositions are varied and dynamic, keeping the viewer engaged while maintaining the film’s dark aesthetic. The editing is smooth and flows well, ensuring that the pacing supports the tension as it builds toward the climax. However, the sound design, while generally well-mixed, occasionally leans too heavily into stylized effects, which can make certain dialogue difficult to understand. Despite this, the music and ambient sounds are used to great effect, creating an immersive and unsettling atmosphere.

At its core, Till Death Do Us Part explores how far someone is willing to go for love and how obsession can blur the line between devotion and madness. Alden’s decision to rob the grave of a murdered bride for a ring quickly spirals into a supernatural nightmare. The storytelling is tight and efficient, with strong characterization and motivations established early on. The film slows down during key moments, allowing for genuine tension and fear to creep in, particularly in the graveyard scenes. The film’s ending, where Elise doesn’t recognize Alden, leaves viewers with a lingering ambiguity. Was Alden deluded by his obsession with her, or did the ghost alter reality? While slightly confusing, it adds a layer of intrigue to the already haunting narrative. The film’s classic horror stylization—from its performances to its cinematography—creates a nostalgic yet fresh horror experience.

The film’s emotional core, the struggle with love and financial insecurity, was enough to draw me in. The gripping narrative and strong tension-building made it easy to empathize with Alden’s plight, and I was invested from beginning to end.

Till Death Do Us Part is a strong, well-executed horror short that delivers on its dark premise. Jacob Hamblin’s direction, combined with a talented cast and crew, creates a haunting atmosphere that will leave audiences both unsettled and reflective on the themes of love, obsession, and morality. Fans of gothic horror will find plenty to appreciate in this visually striking and thematically rich film.