Marlana Ball‘s low-budget horror opens with a poignant scene at a graveside, where a young boy pays his respects, setting an emotional tone for the audience. Eight months later, the narrative takes a sinister turn as the protagonist, portrayed commendably by Riley Ball, stumbles upon a mysterious box that propels the story into a suspenseful direction.
Notably, the film embraces a unique approach, resembling a silent film with minimal sound design effects and a musical soundtrack. While this choice adds an atmospheric quality, the lack of dialogue and live-action audio may leave some viewers yearning for a more immersive experience.
The cinematography exhibits a commendable standard with well-framed, lingering shots, contributing to the film’s overall appeal. However, as tension builds successfully throughout the narrative, the payoff is somewhat hindered by the musical score and an abrupt cut-to-black ending, leaving loose ends in the story.
Despite these flaws, the film stands as a respectable first-time short, showcasing solid acting and skilled cinematography. A potential improvement could involve tightening the runtime, as the film occasionally lingers more than necessary. In essence, Marlana Ball’s debut effort in the horror genre demonstrates promise, with room for refinement in future endeavors.
