By BRYAN CHRISTOPHER
Bonjour short horror connoisseurs, and welcome back for a new batch of Short Cuts. Our June selection includes a substitute teacher from hell, a man’s literal battle with his own hairline, and a demonic guitar.
Bon appétit, and as always, if you or anyone you know have a short film you’d like me to consider or if you’ve got some news you’d like to share in the short horror world, please contact me via Twitter or email me at remedialhorror@gmail.com!
La Nueva (2022)
Length: 14:58 minutes Director: Iván Villamel Starring: Amaia Sagast, Yoel Guillén, Coque Sánchez, Álex Romero
When a young teacher starts her first day subbing for a detention class at a Catholic school, one of the nuns wishes her good luck with those “demons.” But these kids have nothing on the actual demon that possesses the poor substitute via a cursed idol being moved out of the basement. She begins tormenting the group with a pop quiz where wrong answers have some deadly consequences, and it seems the only kid who may make out out is the young outcast who’s got a lot of knowledge, but maybe a bit of his own dark side. There’s lots of gore and malevolent mind games to be found in this one, along with a gleeful mean streak.
Where to find it: Making the festival rounds. Check out the trailer here
The Receder (2021)
Length: 6:57 minutes Director: Raymon Hilkman Starring: Jonathan Huisman, Victor Löw, Kharim Amier
When a young man’s diminishing hairline causes him to consider taking the plunge into shaving his head bald, he finds that an entity has taken residence in his remaining coif and it has no intention of letting go quietly. The resulting conflict plays out as an epic one-man battle that would do Bruce Campbell proud, with a great mix of wince-inducing violence and delightful physical comedy. Plus, there’s just something funny about the fact that it’s all in German (don’t worry there are subtitles).
Where to find it: Streaming on YouTube
Death Metal (2016)
Length: 4:43 minutes Director: Chris McInroy Starring: Kirk C. Johnson, Michael Dalmon
Chris McInroy’s short is basically just a basic setup to unleash a sequence of over-the-top splatstick gags, and honestly I’m here for it. When mediocre metalhead street performer Lars is given a Satanic guitar from his father, he ignores all the warnings about what not to do with said guitar. When Lars’ inability to heed these warnings leads to the guitar gaining sentience, the immediate massacre is a barrage of guts and flying limbs. Plenty of bloody good times to be had!
Where to find it: Streaming on YouTube
