Minimalism Meets Uneasy Obsession

Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
In the Flesh
–

Genre: Thriller, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 43m
Director(s): Connor Doyle
Writer(s): Connor Doyle
Cast: Tanner Goldberg, Chad Malen, Declan Shannon, Maryjo Carlson, Steven Welton, Shannon Doyle
Where to Watch: available now, watch here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: This film is trying for something more personal from the start. Clocking in at 43 minutes, IN THE FLESH is the kind of psychological thriller where the ambition is front and center, even if the execution occasionally stumbles. It doesn’t pretend to be perfect, but it does ask its audience to engage with it beyond surface value. From its small-scale production to its emotionally loaded premise, the film feels like an experiment with heart, rough around the edges, but grounded in a desire to explore something real.

The story starts with a character who is hard to root for, and that seems entirely intentional. He walks in with an air of self-importance, which gets chipped away as the story progresses. Stripped of his control and placed in an unfamiliar, tightly managed environment, the dynamic shifts drastically. His evolution isn’t rapid or dramatic—it’s awkward, clumsy, and oddly believable. And that slow collapse into something more human gives the film one of its emotional footholds.

But it’s the antagonist who anchors the tension. The character doesn’t rely on intimidation or explosive breakdowns. Instead, he exerts power through composure, almost manipulating the space around him. What’s disturbing isn’t the threat of violence, but the reasoning behind his behavior. His motivations are rooted in grief, and there’s a sadness to the way he tries to reassemble a past that broke him. This is where the film attempts to subvert traditional genre expectations. Rather than paint its villain as a source of danger, it presents him as a man unraveling in silence.

What stands out most is the film’s use of stillness. Instead of overstuffing the runtime with dialogue or action, it pauses, sometimes maybe a bit too often. These quiet spaces allow tension to simmer but also risk dragging. The intention is clear: the film wants its viewers to sit uncomfortably and listen to what isn’t being said. At times, that restraint works. The silence stretches too long in others, and the atmosphere starts to sag under its weight.

Technically, the film is uneven. The acting isn’t always convincing, especially during emotionally charged moments. Dialogue can feel flat, and the chemistry between the characters doesn’t always hit the mark. Lighting and editing choices occasionally work against the intended tone, softening scenes that could’ve benefited from more intensity or contrast.

Still, the emotional core gives the film weight. The way it handles grief focuses on quiet obsession. The horror comes not from gore or violence but from the emotional fragility of someone who can’t let go. It doesn’t feel like the film is trying to scare as much as it is trying to unsettle—and that’s a harder goal. While the execution may not fully land, the intent is loud and clear.

The ending avoids a neat resolution, instead hinting at truths without spelling them out. Just a closing moment that shifts your understanding and then leaves you hanging. That choice will frustrate some, but it’s also one of the film’s smarter decisions. Letting the audience walk away with questions rather than closure keeps the story alive.

Given its runtime and focus, this project feels more like a pitch for something longer than a self-contained short. That’s not a criticism—there’s enough foundation here to expand into a feature-length. More breathing room could benefit the characters, thematic elements, and conflict. Still, even at this scale, the project suggests a creative team with a specific vision, even if they haven’t mastered how to deliver it consistently.

The fact that this was developed during a global pandemic only adds to its relevance. The themes of entrapment, mental decline, and emotional desperation echo experiences many have felt in recent years. That connection doesn’t excuse the film’s flaws but makes its ambitions easier to appreciate.

Undoubtedly, this film struggles under the weight of its limitations, but there’s also no doubt it’s trying. The imperfections don’t feel careless—they are part of the learning process. Independent projects like this serve as stepping stones for creatives to test their ideas and refine their storytelling tools. If anything, they’re a testament to the fact that rough beginnings are often where more compelling work takes shape.

This isn’t a perfect short, but it is a film that takes risks, explores emotion over spectacle, and at least tries to leave the audience with something to chew on. Whether that something lands is debatable, but it’s hard not to respect the effort.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of HARD RIME PRODUCTIONS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.