Written and directed by Jaro Mayda III, ‘The Lesser Key of Solomon’ is a short horror film that explores a man’s experimentation with paranormal entities. Jaro Mayda III stars as Hans, a young man who is bereft after the sudden death of his mother. The film explores themes of religion, grief and mental health, and was inspired by the Director’s own personal losses. A frightening watch from start to finish. Dan Stroiman stars as Rand, with Szilvia Bakos as the mother.
The 11-minute film opens with Hans reading religious text aloud, sparking paranormal activity. He has retreated to an abandoned lake house to call forth the resurrection of his late mother, where her body lies covered in a white sheet. Despite his friend, Rand, sparking concern for his psychology, Hans continues on his quest to provoke the dark forces.
Mayda has delivered a thrilling horror that examines the extremes of grief-stricken behavior. His portrayal as the protagonist is highly captivating throughout and bravely showcases the mental instability sudden loss can ignite. The short is produced with outstanding cinematography, production design, special effects and lighting – accompanied by high quality sound and ambient music. A ride of suspense that will engage, petrify and disturb the viewer. Highly recommended.
