With it’s brief runtime, Jacob Sukhenko’s ‘Soleless’ delivers a jolt of pure horror. Starring Tanner Tomak and Mia “MJ” Jerdan, this bite-sized chiller proves that even the shortest of films can leave a lasting impression.
The plot is simple but effective: a young man (Tomak) frantically flees down a dimly lit stairwell, terror painted across his face. Something dark and otherworldly is pursuing him. Sukhenko masterfully balances suspense and dread as Tomak’s escape is cruelly thwarted – not by the demon, but by his own undone shoelaces. This tiny, human detail adds a layer of tragic inevitability to the film. It’s a subtle yet brilliant choice, reinforcing the idea that doom can come from the most mundane of setbacks.
Cinematographer Shane Cannon deserves praise for crafting visuals that ooze tension, while the sound design amplifies every creak and breathless gasp, pulling the viewer deeper into the protagonist’s despair. The pacing is flawless, with the editing building a steady crescendo of terror before delivering a chilling payoff: a face-to-face encounter with the demonic force, leaving no escape for our ill-fated hero.
Tanner Tomak’s brief but commendable performance captures pure, unfiltered panic. Produced by Xander Brzezinski, ‘Soleless’ is a marvel of concise storytelling and high production value. Though the story feels ripe for expansion, this micro-short succeeds as a sharp, suspenseful fragment of horror.
