by David Cholewa’s STALKER is proof that you don’t need a massive budget or studio backing to create something genuinely unsettling. Self-financed and produced for only $5,000, this short film hits with surprising force — a taut, atmospheric descent into fear that feels both frighteningly personal and hauntingly relevant.
From the opening frames, STALKER grips you with its raw sense of vulnerability. What begins as a woman walking home after a violent encounter quickly spirals into a tense, nerve-shredding journey through a city night that feels increasingly hostile. Cholewa doesn’t rely on exposition or heavy dialogue; instead, he lets sound, shadow, and framing carry the emotional weight. You feel the footsteps behind her. You feel the presence closing in. You feel the danger long before you see it.
A Stalker Film With Something To Say
While STALKER delivers the thrills expected from the sub-genre, it also brings something deeper to the table. The film subtly speaks to the rising real-world violence in urban environments and the constant, often ignored fears that women face just moving through public spaces. This grounding in reality makes the horror more impactful. It isn’t just a cinematic threat — it’s a reflection of genuine, everyday anxieties.
Atmosphere Over Flash — And It Works Beautifully
Working with a micro-budget, Cholewa leans into mood and sensory tension rather than big effects. The result is incredibly effective. The darkness becomes a character. Silence becomes a weapon. Every echo and shadow feels intentional. The film’s minimalism enhances the fear, turning a simple walk home into a full-body experience where your nerves stay tight from start to finish.
A Powerful Lead Performance
The protagonist’s (Sandra Hohenadel) fear feels painfully real, and her performance is the heartbeat of the film. There’s no over-the-top bravado or forced heroics — just a woman trying to survive a situation that escalates far beyond her control. Her quiet panic, her instinctive reactions, and her emotional exhaustion anchor the film with authenticity.
A Creature That Chills Without Overexposure
The “stalker” itself is handled with restraint, revealed only as much as the story requires. It’s human enough to feel real, but ambiguous enough to stay unpredictable — a smart choice that lets the audience’s imagination fill in the worst possibilities. This is the kind of horror where the threat’s presence matters more than its screen time.
Short Runtime, Lasting Impact
At roughly 18 minutes, STALKER wastes no time. The pacing is fast, the tension tight, and the atmosphere suffocating in the best way. The short length actually works to its advantage — there’s no filler, no downtime, and no letting the audience off the hook. It grabs you early and doesn’t let go until the final frame.
Final Thoughts
STALKER is a gripping, sensory, and impressively crafted short film that punches far above its indie budget. It’s tense, smartly made, and rooted in fears that extend well beyond the screen. For fans of grounded, atmospheric horror — and for anyone who appreciates what dedicated filmmakers can do with limited resources — STALKER is absolutely worth your time.
This is one of those shorts that lingers with you long after it ends. Cholewa set out to make a tight little nightmare with something real to say — and he nailed it.
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