Danvers‘s Hometown News Site

Trigger warning, this film deals with some dark themes, especially in terms of what does and doesn’t constitute rape. It’s essential to make sure you’ve prepared yourself accordingly. I had no clue what I was getting myself into here, and that’s how I like it. ME AND MY VICTIM dives into the turbulent and textured world of “Maurane” and Billy Pedlow’s unique relationship, painting a vivid portrait of urban love set against the backdrop of city life in Montreal and New York. These locations are dynamic characters in their own right, each adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. You can only have experiences in places like this. Described as an experimental film, I think this is almost a biographical interview documentary hybrid.

This film WILL make you uncomfortable, make you mad, and challenge you to think outside the box! (if it doesn’t, you may want to consider therapy) BLACK EYED SUSAN is a cinematic excursion into the shadowy crossroads of advanced AI and human emotion, effortlessly blending gritty realism with a speculative narrative. Director Scooter McCrae returns after a two-decade hiatus to probe the ethical labyrinth surrounding a humanoid robot designed to experience human-like emotions, shot through the lens of Super 16 film that gives the tale a haunting, timeless quality.

The true sign of success for a short film is a short that doesn’t feel like it. This film, clocking in at just 14 minutes, feels like an entire feature when looking back at it and thinking about the story. At a seemingly innocent fraternity gathering, Judy’s (Cailyn Rice) night transforms into an uncanny ordeal in FACES. In this film, director Blake Simon masterfully intertwines the perceived innocence of everyday life with supernatural elements. The film stands out for its deep dive into the psyche of its characters, magnified through their encounters with a menacing entity that not only threatens their existence but reflects their identity crises. Simon’s approach elevates horror, melding psychological intrigue with classic motifs to explore the themes of self and fear in compelling new ways.

In the heart of the film DIRTY BAD WRONG, we find a vivid portrayal of human resilience shadowed by the stark realities of a mother striving to provide the ultimate birthday bash against a backdrop of personal and economic struggle. This narrative explores the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal sacrifice. What extremes would you be willing to go to for the ones you love?

Lucía Forner Segarra presents an enchanting and complex narrative in her latest cinematic endeavor. BERTA's concluding chapter of her trilogy is a nuanced exploration of psychological depth and sly humor. This film explores themes of vengeance and emotional healing, presenting a multifaceted look at the consequences of confronting one's past. The film's simplicity adds to its power; while I haven’t checked out the first two films, I can imagine how powerful the journey would be if they are on this same level.

Eugene Kotlyarenko's THE CODE ventures boldly into the narrative of a no-man’s land where digital surveillance meets romantic dysfunction, set against the somber backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. This concoction of drama, romance, and unexpected humor delves into the lives of Celine (Dasha Nekrasova) and Jay (Peter Vack), a couple grappling with the fading sparks of their relationship.

Under the vast skies of Estonia, Mia (Teele Kaljuvee-O'Brock,) Grete (Johanna-Aurelia Rosin,) and Sarah (Hannah Gross) embark on a summer adventure that promises relaxation and exploration. Their journey swiftly shifts gears when they encounter a mysterious app developed by Dr. Mindfulness (Ciaron Davies.) The app links their fate to a local zoo and transforms them in ways that challenge the very fabric of their reality. This transformative experience forces them to confront the thin line between the natural world and a digitally augmented existence. Believe it or not, it ends up being one of the most intriguing explorations of existential journeys that I can remember seeing.

At a time when humanity stretches its grasp to the stars, the celestial battle for resources rages on. Earth and the Martian Empire are in a relentless struggle over vital commodities, particularly water. Kai (Jonathan See) is central to this galactic saga, a young man fuelled by his father’s heroic past and haunted by his mother's mysterious vanishing during a Saturn expedition. Despite grappling with a severe asthma condition that could thwart his ambitions, Kai is unwavering in his resolve to earn his place at the elite Mecha Corps Academy. His odyssey is amplified by his bond with Little Dragon, a mecha pivotal to his personal and developmental journey.

When you stroll through the streets of Woodland Hills in Los Angeles, it might feel like you've walked onto a film set, where every corner whispers secrets of a world where privacy is just an illusion. That's the chilling scenario that HI! YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECORDED brings to life. Directed by Anna Maguire and Kyle Greenberg, this short film cleverly mirrors our societal obsession with surveillance, thrusting Maguire, both director and protagonist, into an unsettling narrative of modern voyeurism.

At the far reaches of the Capillian Star System, THE SILENT PLANET crafts a poignant narrative that intertwines the lives of Theodore, portrayed with nuance by Elias Koteas, and Niyya, brought to life by Briana Middleton. Theodore's existence, steeped in the routine of mineral extraction and haunted by fading memories of Earth, sets the stage for a starkly introspective journey. This solitary routine is jolted by the arrival of Niyya, whose past was marred by trauma and otherworldly encounters, igniting a turbulent unraveling of secrets they both wished stayed hidden.

In Alexander J. Farrell’s inaugural leap into narrative filmmaking, THE BEAST WITHIN serves up a hearty dose of gothic horror rooted deeply in the genre's eerie traditions. Farrell, transitioning from documentary filmmaking, crafts a gripping tale against the foreboding backdrop of an ancient English forest, where dark secrets and familial conflicts twist into a riveting storyline. From a stylistic standpoint, this film hit the nail on the head!

Aboard NASA's Ares 7, en route to Mars, Major Tom Collins (Adam Dunn) faces a critical dilemma when he discovers that his co-pilot, Abe (Aaron Glenane,) is a far more inexperience astronaut than he's supposed to be. ASTRONOTS skillfully navigates through this plot twist, weaving together a sharp comedic style with the intense stakes of a life-or-death scenario. This blend creates an engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions and trust, set against the vast backdrop of space exploration. Something is telling when a film that is only 10 minutes long can hit so powerfully with its dialogue! They managed to get across the film's plot and have an intricate back-and-forth that makes you more invested than you could imagine.

October in Springboro brings more than just autumn leaves; it heralds a chilling tradition where the youth of this town face peril under strict moral laws enforced by a menacing Slasher. At the vortex of this horror is Parker Campbel (Skylar Radzion), entangled deeply in this dark saga crafted by none other than her father. In a quest to reclaim her innocence and bring peace back to her community, Parker engages directly with her father’s terrifying legacy.

In ESCAPE ATTEMPT, viewers traverse the stark, cold future where human resilience is tested in the bleakest dystopias. Under the direction of the Grammy-winning duo Daniel Shapiro and Alex Topaller, the film is an intense survival saga featuring performances by Polish stars Andrzej Chyra and Piotr Witkowski. The actors breathe life into a script that connects historical atrocities with foreboding futuristic oppression, adapting a 1962 classic novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS brings a chilling twist to the festive season, showcasing the narrative know-how of Alice Maio Mackay. At just 19, she’s reshaping the film world from within, one film at a time; with CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS, she weaves a dark and suspenseful story that diverges sharply from traditional holiday themes. Set in the sweltering heat of an Australian Christmas, this film layers mystery and terror over a backdrop reserved for joy and celebration. This isn't your typical Silent Night; it's more of a Violent Night with Mackay's chilling twists and turns.