5. Bedfellows
Like Tuck Me In, Bedfellows is sure to make
sleep just that much more difficult. There's something about bed time and the
ominous nature of the possibilities of something being in your bed that is just
so terrifying and this short capitalizes on these fears. Featuring a jolt
ending that'll take your breath away, Bedfellows is a lean and tight
scare that'll probably stick around long after its runtime.
4. Blackout
Is there any fear more primal than that of darkness? The
answer is no and for good reason. Darkness - even in familiar settings - feels
foreign - this is why Blackout is so effective. The absence of
familiarity and security created by darkness, especially if that darkness is
cast upon you suddenly and by an unknown action is so terrifying that when it
happens in Blackout viewers will instantly know something is very wrong.
Like many horror shorts, this one also includes an amazing final jump scare, so
grip your seat tightly and get ready.
3. Light Out
By far the most well-known on the list, it goes without
saying that Lights Out is a standout. While the movie expands and
changes up the mythology created by the original short, it's tiny beginnings
certainly impress. From the end jump scene to the shadowy figure visible only
through backlighting, Lights Out catapulted horror shorts to a larger
audience. Points are additionally given for the actress who also stars in the
not as good, but still scary, Pictured (They're both directed by David
Sandberg). There's really not more to be said, if you know someone who hasn't
seen it, make them.
2. Vicious
Both Vicious and Blackout use similar styles
and means to scare audiences. From quiet observances into the dark to
simplistic and grounded camera work, each intends to terrify and do so with
success. But, what makes Vicious just that much better is an added
element of home invasion. There is something so innately terrifying about the
character's realization that someone broke into her home and could possibly
still be there. It is one of my biggest fears and is one of the most practical
short horror films available as it opts for fear over any other cinematic
prowess. From start to end, Vicious is, well, vicious.
While Vicious is incredibly scary, it is The
Smiling Man that takes this list cake. Equally suspenseful as it is well
done, I would argue that more than any other movie on this list, this short's
mythology could and should be made into a feature length. The little girl is a
terrific actress and as she presses forward on a trail of balloons, The
Smiling Man is able to engross viewers. It's the type of horror short that
will legitimately be trapped in your brain, preventing sleep for the days
following. The end reveal is one of the most horrific and terrifying moments in
modern horror as audiences and the little girl try to cope as to what is in
their face. Is the smiling man a crazed person or some supernatural entity?
That is something a feature length film, if well-done, could explore.
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