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Game has already had an outstanding festival run, screening at over 40 festivals including Fantastic Fest, and Sitges (where it received a Best Short Film nomination).
SPOILER ALERT: This review WILL talk openly about the plot of the film. If you want to experience the film as it was intended – which I’d STRONGLY recommend – watch it before reading.
After you see it you may not believe me… so I’ll just say this now: “No hillbillies were harmed in the making of this film.”
PLOT – A bound girl is chased through the woods by 3 hillbillies. When they catch up with her they get much more than they expected from their “prey”. Check out the teaser trailer below!
Excited yet? Never fear… we’ve got a link to the full film below for your viewing pleasure.
CAST – Andrew Lee Norwood does an amazing job as both captor and predator. When she’s running from the ‘billies you really to get a sense of terror. And when she turns the tables on them you truly do see the malice come out in her character. Well done.
There’s not a ton of screen time here for the guys (running time on the entire film is only about 8 minutes) but I have to say they all play their characters admirably. They’re creepy and foreboding when they’re supposed to be and scared shitless and confused when necessary. Kudos all around.
HORROR – For an eight minute film, it’s amazing just how much horror and blood is packed in here. But it’s not overdone. The horror fits into the story properly and never feels out of place. When the woman “turns” we get a brilliant line from Billy #2: “Oh no… she’s a God damn Weremaid!” and we’re off to the races. The score is great, and really lends to that “horrific” vibe the film is going for. The spike / chainsaw death was gruesome while not showing too much, and the sense of anticipation / fear as the film ends is a great way to to end things.
I have to say I was a tad bit confused with how Woman got into this spot to begin with, especially knowing what she is after watching the film, but I’m willing to let that slide as a creative decision and the fact that in a short film you can only show so much.
FINAL THOUGHTS – This is a great little horror film. It looks great, the score is perfect and the camera moves flawlessly through around the actors. The fact that this was filmed in Nova Scotia makes it even more impressive as it really does look like this occurs in the back woods of the Dirty South. The full film is available below. Please check it out – you’ll be glad you did. Strong recommend.
For more information on Game, check out the official Game Short Film website, the IMDB entry, or check them out on Facebook. Tell em ScareTissue sent you! Special thanks to Angus and Josh for giving us access to their film!
Have you watched Game yet? Please give it a watch and let us know what you think by posting a comment below!
Awesome…awesome…AWESOME!
This is a “fun” little short film with tons of twists. As you said, gore fits perfectly. Twist is unexpected and almost turns this into 2 stories rolled in one!
The transformation kind of reminded me of the old 80s film Splash. When the mermaid was in the water,she had fins. When she was dry, she had legs. I’m assuming the same applies here.