This short movie written and directed by Scott Lyus starts off quite innocent enough. We see Mary (May Kaspar) a college student going about her day as normal. However others seem to have taken an interest in Mary that she is not aware about. Whilst out photographing the wildlife, Mary is attacked and wakes up bound and in the presence of a cult. The cult, led by Mother (Danni Scott-White) are convinced that Mary is the chosen one that has the blood capable of bringing forth the Prince of Darkness, or Satan to you and me. To say any more would spoil it.

Whenever someone asks me if I’d like the good news or the bad news first, I always opt for the bad. So let’s get the bad out of the way first here. The worst thing about this short is the actress who plays Mother, pictured above. The fact that the exposition must be delivered by her, and that the majority of the dialogue must be delivered by her is what cripples this short film. My advice to Danni Scott-White would be to seek another profession, if indeed acting is a full time thing. Her script delivery is toe curlingly bad. So much so that I was close to ending the film there and then. I didn’t find her character convincing or menacing. She almost kills the film dead in it’s tracks. The other bad thing, and it’s a small thing really, is the gore. I understand it’s a short and the budget is small, but surely the budget can stretch to some fake blood or corn syrup, and not what appears to be Tabasco sauce poured down someone’s neck?

Now for the good. Firstly the cinematography by Sharad Patel is very good indeed. The camera work is just fabulous and captures the scenery very well. The script and direction by Scott Lyus is fabulous too. The film itself has a real ‘Wicker Man’ vibe about it. I do hope that this short leads to a feature film. However I would definitely consider recasting one or two people if it is made into a feature. Scott Lyus shows promise in his direction and I for one am eager to see what he has up his sleeve next.

3/5

JM