‘Stillborn’, written & directed by Michael Leon, pulls you into the surreal world of Marcus, an 8-year-old boy locked away in a children’s mental asylum after the murder of his mother. Marcus claims his stillborn brother, Jack, is the real killer – a premise that taps into the deeply unnerving idea of an unseen force manipulating innocent hands to commit horrific acts.
Tristan Hall portrays Marcus with a calm persistence, quietly insisting on his innocence. This subtle performance adds to the film’s growing sense of dread. Symphony Howlett’s Dr. Conrad, a psychiatrist who knows Marcus’ family well, is his defender. She can’t believe this child could be capable of such violence. However, Marcus’ unwavering belief in Jack’s influence begins to crack her confidence.
This is where Eric James Schultz’s portrayal of Dr. Wachowski becomes crucial. Wachowski is convinced that something supernatural is at play. His extreme, experimental methods steer the film into paranormal territory without relying on clichés or jump scares. The quiet conviction of these performances sets the tone, allowing the horror to build naturally.
Michelle Coulson’s cinematography deserves special mention, as well as Ashley Balmeceda & Leon’s vibrant production design. The film defies typical horror expectations by embracing a bright, almost playful aesthetic. The visuals are colorful and clean, reflecting the youthfulness of the protagonist, but this contrast makes the story all the more unsettling. The sound design adds another layer, with playful yet eerie music that aligns with the family-friendly horror vibe.
‘Stillborn’ strikes a delicate balance between being accessible for younger audiences while still delivering enough psychological and paranormal tension to unsettle older viewers. It’s a horror short that doesn’t scream in your face too loudly, but still enough to chill. With strong performances, excellent VFX, and a clean, professional production, ‘Stillborn’ is an expertly crafted film that stays just on the edge of accessible and scary.
