MOVIE REVIEW
Tattletale
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Genre: Horror, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 22m
Director(s): Eric Albert Branstrom
Writer(s): Eric Albert Branstrom, Chad Gibbons
Cast: Magdalena Conway, Ashland Thomas, Dawn Michel, Kierney DePaepe
Where To Watch: watch here: www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: Eric A. Branstrom's TATTLETALE emerges as an example of how minimalistic settings and a shoestring budget can serve as fertile ground for rich, nuanced storytelling in the horror genre. Branstrom sets his tale within the walls of a classroom, an environment that soon becomes the backdrop for exploring the depths of human vulnerability and the eerie, unseen threats that challenge our sense of security.

The story of TATTLETALE centers around a schoolteacher who stumbles upon unsettling and mysterious signs of encroaching darkness following a student's disappearance. The film's tension is amplified by a chilling score, which crafts a thick atmosphere of suspense that envelops the viewer in the depths of the story. The script, written by Branstrom and Chad Gibbons, relies minimally on dialogue.

In crafting TATTLETALE's visual and auditory experience, Branstrom utilizes subtle yet powerful elements: the haunting quiet of an empty classroom, the disturbing sight of a dead animal, and cryptic symbols that suggest a deeper, darker reality just out of sight. These details enhance the film’s suspense without overwhelming the audience with horror clichés, inviting them to engage with the unfolding mystery.

Branstrom’s direction refreshes familiar horror motifs by injecting them with new vitality through stellar performances and a tightly woven plot. Each scene in TATTLETALE is carefully designed to escalate the sense of dread, drawing the audience deeper into its unsettling theme of lurking dangers.

One of the film’s strongest qualities is its preference for atmosphere over scares. It opts for a psychological approach that relies on the audience's imagination to complete the terrifying picture. This method distinguishes TATTLETALE within the genre, aligning it with the more sophisticated psychological thrillers prioritizing mood and implication over visual horror.

The realm of indie horror often provides a unique canvas for filmmakers to explore innovative storytelling techniques, allowing for a level of craftsmanship that might be stifled in bigger-budget productions. Branstrom’s use of this format hints at his potential to redefine genre boundaries. Given the strength of TATTLETALE, anticipation is high (for this reviewer) for a potential feature-length project someday!

Branstrom's portfolio, which includes works like INSTANT LIFE and AT THE END OF THE HALL, shows his capability to transcend budgetary constraints with compelling, emotionally driven narratives. Thanks to their rich, character-driven stories that engage the heart and mind, his films consistently deliver more than their budgets suggest.

TATTLETALE is a testament to the power of storytelling and creativity. It challenges viewers to confront their innermost fears and acknowledges the pervasive, often hidden, threats that we face. This film will resonate with anyone who appreciates the craft of filmmaking and the impact of a well-told story.

In conclusion, TATTLETALE is a notable achievement in indie filmmaking. It showcases ingenuity and passion for filmmaking, making it essential for viewing by fans of psychological thrillers and those who value thought-provoking cinema. The film is a compelling invitation to explore the shadows of our everyday environments and the unseen horrors they might conceal.

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[photo courtesy of SLITHERY-DEE FILMS]

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