Greetings Creeps and Creepy Kid Creatures!! It is that time… it’s summer but so close to fall you can taste it! What better time than now to sink your teeth into August’s episode filled with treacherous territory on World of Death? This month’s evil images deal with two things that no one can get away from these days; Love and the Internet. Whether it is physical, emotional or unrequited once you add the Internet to the mix, the results are not pleasant as these three films show us.
First up, we present to you, “Chat Room”. Written and directed by Emily Bennett, I was immediately hooked by the great scenes of Chicago and the familiarity of a true Chicago apartment where I may actually KNOW someone who lives in the building. What seems like a normal girl, on a normal day, on her normal birthday, is anything but that. The performance by Mary Tilden holds you captive and was heartbreaking as every tap she made on her keyboard led her closer to what would be her birthday wish. Beautiful use of candlelight signifying a perfect balance of romance and the birthday norm with captivating closeups that enhance the suffocating tone and tension of being with the one you love and waiting for each word to manifest your desire on screen. Tilden’s performance, as well as the alluring direction, cinematography and superb editing make this short one of my favorites of the year and one that should get more recognition. Bennett is a director whose work I look forward to seeing more of for years to come. Word to the wise, when you are looking for love, look them in their actual eyes before you make a lifelong commitment.
Next up, “A/S/L” written and directed by Benjamin Swicker tells the tale of a married middle-aged man and a child who meet online and the outcome is what I call, you get what you GET! The performances by Brendan Boogie and Claire Candela anchor the film but it was the details of Boogie’s wardrobe choices and the momentary glimpse of an awkward family photo with the collection of his children, not much older than our lead character’s female Internet friend, that really UPPED the creep factor for me. This film also made me aware of what ASL is: Age, Sex, Location. Once I found that out, the obvious crimson flags went off, Stop, Stop now, Okay NOW Stop and even though the conclusion wasn’t exactly surprising, it was more… rewarding to the audience. Like I said kids, You get what you GET!!! Kudos to Tristan Risk for being the leader of today’s youth, I know I would like to see more of in the circumstance presented.
For your final viewing pleasure is director Ron Purtee‘s “I’m Streaming Death”. This film clocks in at a little over three minutes and cuts right to the chase with two young women; one tied up to a chair, the other with a BIG knife who is proclaiming her vexation while live streaming with viewers and anyone else watching of the wanted acceptance, accolades and most of all LOVE from the number of strangers that she hopes are watching on her site. Once her competition is gone, who else could these strangers, who are nothing more than numbers, love? This is a tale I am actually surprised has not been done before… in reality. My biggest critique would be to invest in red dye, corn syrup and lighter apparel for your victim so when the audience experiences the final outcome onscreen, it will be more shocking to the viewer.
Keep slaying it this summer and enjoy these August delights!
Scaring, sharing and caring,
– Cati Glidewell
The Blonde In Front
World of Death is the web series that fans of independent horror have been waiting for. Featuring short horror films from all over the globe created by the largest variety of talent that a collection has ever been able to boast, WOD provides plenty of blood, guts, screams and laughs for all fans of the macabre. WOD is the perfect entertainment for a fan base constantly on the go. Watch it anywhere, at any time, for FREE! New episodes premiere the first Wednesday of every month at 10am CST.
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