Written and directed by Federica Alice Carlino, ‘The Monster’s Club’ is a short 90s-era drama film that explores the fallout after a teenage prank goes tragically awry. With themes of friendship, guilt, grief and revenge, the 16-minute narrative centers the escapade of three best friends – Jackson (Germano Blanco), Colin (Hechan DaSilva) and Erik/Dumpster (Max Vector). Additionally, the drama also conveys the repercussions 20 years later. Despite the short’s initial juvenile atmosphere, the tone of the narrative plunges into startling misadventure which is certain to keep the audience on tenterhooks.
The film opens in the present era, as an adult Jackson (Mark Stancato) delivers a parcel to the well-to-do home of an adult Colin (Tank Jones). A time jump back to 1999 recites their preparation and undertaking of a childhood prank – organized by Jackson, Colin and their friend Erik/Dumpster. Without spoiling the concluding narrative, which will leave viewers aghast, the drama touches on conflict and betrayal – which goes hand-in-hand with the scenes set two decades later.
Blanco, DaSilva and Vector deliver credible portrayals throughout – three young talents to keep a watchful eye on. Carlino’s short is finely crafted with cinematic production value and a stirring storyline. Stancato and Jones (who portray the adult Jackson and Colin) give equally commendable performance that aid the overall theme of the narrative. Cinematography and lighting are of a high-quality standard, as is the post-production and 90s era prop design. A riveting watch that alludes to childhood innocence and misfortune. The drama would benefit from further divulgence into scenes set in the present-era. Regardless, the short is a highly recommended watch.
