Hulu has been celebrating the Halloween season like none other with their biggest “Huluween” yet. With a specially curated programming block, the coolest “treat” delivers all the tricks – a mini film festival with several short films. The kicker…they’re all equally impressive.
The first-ever Huluween Film Fest gives eight up-and-coming filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their horror-themed short films on Hulu throughout the month. As previously announced, the filmmaker with the highest levels of viewer engagement and the highest scores from a panel of expert judges – including Friday the 13th’s “Jason Voorhees” actor Kane Hodder, season four winner of RuPaul’s “Drag Race” Sharon Needles and Bloody Disgusting co-founder and Editor Brad Miska (yours truly) – will win $10,000 towards production of their feature length film.
Here, Kane Hodder, Sharon Needles and I discuss four of the eight films in the first of a three-part series.
HAUNTED, HORRIFYING SOUNDS FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE
Directed by: Rodney Ascher
Written by: Basil Quartermass
Produced by: Tyler Glodt
“A musician’s money grab Halloween composition unleashes the haunting sound of his own mother’s death.”
My thoughts: Rodney Ascher is proving to be a master at delivering atmosphere. From the period design to the spooky sound design, this short may be the most haunting of all eight. And for those who grew up watching “Tales From the Crypt”, this story has a fun little “button” at the end that smashes down like a hammer.
Kane Hodder: I think this film had the scariest material and the most adult concept of any of the films. A disturbing film, and I consider that adjective to be complimentary for a horror film. Makes one uncomfortable, and that is good.
Sharon Needles: Ambitious and creepy as hell! And for the record, I love this film! Haunting!
THE BOX
Directed by: Santiago C. Tapia
Written by: Jessica Curtright & Santiago Tapia
Produced by: David Moore
“A little boy unknowingly releases something perilous from within an ancient box.”
My thoughts: I’ve already watched The Box several times over. It’s so simple and yet astonishingly effective. The device of the box itself is already interesting, but the addition of the note is what drives this story home. It has a sense of awe and wonder, but then finds a way to turn incredibly dark in a matter of seconds. And just when you think it’s over, Jessica Curtright and Santiago Tapia pull one final twist that made me gasp. It’s the one short that left me desperate to see what happens next.
Kane Hodder: This film has one of the factors I enjoy in a good horror film. A different concept to what might first appear to be a familiar story. It wasn’t predictable the way some horror can be. Creative cinematography added to the enjoyment of the film.
Sharon Needles: I find doppelgängers terrifying… can you imagine two of me?! Now that’s scary! Two thumbs up!
THE RIZZLE
Directed by: Josh Tanner
Written & Produced by: Josh Tanner & Jade Van Der Lei
“A mysterious video on the internet provokes viewers to perform an old, ritualistic dance.”
My thoughts: The Rizzle is as much fun as it is haunting. It’s got so much charm before it turns everything on its head and brings the horror. Josh Tanner’s directing is phenomenal and sets the stage for one reallllllly great scare.
Kane Hodder: One of my favorite films. A great story idea that was well constructed with superb acting by the female. Well crafted suspense and a creepy ending. All of this told without one word of spoken dialogue! Very difficult to do. Great film.
Sharon Needles: Move over dabbing…. this is The Rizzle!! A new deadly dance craze. It may actually pay off to have two left feet… and you though click bait was scary. Spoopy!!
CARVED
Directed & Written by: Justin Harding
Produced by: Kris Elsley, Dale Andrews, Rob Brunner & Jason Kennedy
“A boy’s choice of an ugly pumpkin results in an unusual Jack-O-Lantern.”
My thoughts: Probably the most crazed of the shorts, Carved goes full-on weird with an effects-fueled Halloween-themed story that unapologetically goes all the way to ten. This short was nuts.
Kane Hodder: Carved has interesting characters throughout a cleverly structured story. Acting was on point and I was particularly impressed with the special effects and the choices made by the DP and director of certain important shots in the film.
Sharon Needles: This is truly a slice of pumpkin pie. This beautifully shot gem has a gnarly twisted twist. It will have you blowing your top. Gutsy!
To view all of the Huluween short films, visit www.youtube.com/hulu.