‘Drums’, written and directed by Miroslav Petkov, is a low-budget horror short that offers an eerie, albeit somewhat uneven, experience. The film centers on Casey, played by Simona Rose, as she moves into a rundown apartment with a sordid history. From the moment she steps in, the tension builds – an unsettling drum rattle leads her to discover an electronic drum kit that seems to take on a sinister life of its own.
While the narrative is weak and at times unbelievable, Petkov’s film manages to grip viewers with its unsettling atmosphere and eerie moments. Simona Rose delivers a convincing performance as the frazzled protagonist, navigating a series of bizarre occurrences within the apartment. Supporting roles from Rudy Ledbetter and Kate Ray add to the film’s unease, though their characters lack the depth needed to elevate the plot.
Despite its limited production quality, ‘Drums’ keeps the audience engaged, particularly through the freakish events Casey experiences at the climax. The film’s weakness lies in its inconsistent storytelling and less-than-believable plot points, but Petkov’s ability to create a tense, disturbing mood helps make up for it. Petkov’s cinematography skillfully enhances the film’s unsettling tone, using clever shot composition to amplify the creeping sense of dread.
Ultimately, ‘Drums’ succeeds more as an exercise in atmosphere than in narrative depth, delivering some memorable moments of horror despite its shortcomings.
