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Three Kings

Synopsis

Two metalhead teen outcasts play what they think is just another ‘paranormal game’. Instead, they find themselves confronted with their past trauma and grief as the ‘game’ turns out to be a powerfully dark ritual.

Review

4/5
A chilling tale of teenage angst, grief and paranormal experimentation.
Written and directed by James DeAngelis, ‘Three Kings’ is a short horror film that probes the ingrained adolescent grief of two teenage friends. Starring James DeAngelis as Jack and David Vaides as Edgar, the narrative delves into their pursuit of the paranormal in the form of spiritual gameplay. The short delves into themes of abuse, loss, friendship and mental health. A chilling tale that doesn’t shy away from exploring curiosity of the afterlife entwined with teenage angst and depression.

The 19-minute film opens with Jack under hostile scrutiny by Edgar’s abusive father, suggesting Jack’s negative influence on his grief-stricken son. Edgar’s father’s disparaging behavior stipulates how life-altering tragedy has affected the entire family. After Jack suggests they undertake a paranormal ritual, known as the Three Kings, Edgar’s is faced with psychological torment as his deceased mother begins to surface.

Three Kings Short Film
James DeAngelis has crafted a riveting tale about teenage bereavement with a deeply sinister undertone. DeAngelis and Vaides deliver commendable performances throughout that engulf the psyche of teenage affliction and experimentation. With adept cinematography by Lukas Zanoli, with high quality sound, lighting and post-production, the short is an easy watch to be pulled into. Characterization, dialogue and structure are reasonably calculated and orchestrated – which is certain to keep the viewing audience engaged. A hair-raising watch with a deeply poignant underbelly. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): James DeAngelis
Writer(s): James DeAngelis
Cast: David Valdes, James DeAngelis
Producer(s): James DeAngelis, Leon Wu, Lukas Zanoli, Nick Vaughn
Director of Photography: Lukas Zanoli
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 19 min

Recommended

1/5

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): James DeAngelis
Writer(s): James DeAngelis
Cast: David Valdes, James DeAngelis
Producer(s): James DeAngelis, Leon Wu, Lukas Zanoli, Nick Vaughn
Director of Photography: Lukas Zanoli
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Subjects: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 19 min

Recommended

4/5

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A book-loving student, on a quest for a Gothic horror novel, is seduced into a deadly game….
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A young man traumatized by war and death struggles to keep his grip on reality….

Three Kings

Synopsis

Two metalhead teen outcasts play what they think is just another ‘paranormal game’. Instead, they find themselves confronted with their past trauma and grief as the ‘game’ turns out to be a powerfully dark ritual.

Review

A chilling tale of teenage angst, grief and paranormal experimentation.

4/5
Written and directed by James DeAngelis, ‘Three Kings’ is a short horror film that probes the ingrained adolescent grief of two teenage friends. Starring James DeAngelis as Jack and David Vaides as Edgar, the narrative delves into their pursuit of the paranormal in the form of spiritual gameplay. The short delves into themes of abuse, loss, friendship and mental health. A chilling tale that doesn’t shy away from exploring curiosity of the afterlife entwined with teenage angst and depression.

The 19-minute film opens with Jack under hostile scrutiny by Edgar’s abusive father, suggesting Jack’s negative influence on his grief-stricken son. Edgar’s father’s disparaging behavior stipulates how life-altering tragedy has affected the entire family. After Jack suggests they undertake a paranormal ritual, known as the Three Kings, Edgar’s is faced with psychological torment as his deceased mother begins to surface.

Three Kings Short Film
James DeAngelis has crafted a riveting tale about teenage bereavement with a deeply sinister undertone. DeAngelis and Vaides deliver commendable performances throughout that engulf the psyche of teenage affliction and experimentation. With adept cinematography by Lukas Zanoli, with high quality sound, lighting and post-production, the short is an easy watch to be pulled into. Characterization, dialogue and structure are reasonably calculated and orchestrated – which is certain to keep the viewing audience engaged. A hair-raising watch with a deeply poignant underbelly. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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