Jack Kierski’s short horror, set against the backdrop of a high-school reunion dinner, unfurls a narrative that quickly descends into a chilling ordeal of survival and dread. The ensemble cast, featuring Diana Garle, Valeria Di Babbo, Alberto Perez-Crossland, Vanessa Lotero, and Michael Gonzalez, with Matt Robb portraying the sinister antagonist, brings to life a script teeming with potential.
The film’s premise, intriguingly set into motion by a cryptic knock at the door followed by the haunting inquiry, “Do you believe in aliens?”, positions itself to explore the depths of fear and the unknown. However, the execution somewhat misses the mark.
While the film boasts commendable technicality – Martin Villa’s cinematography captures the ambiance with deft precision – the narrative stumbles in conveying the visceral fear synonymous with horror. The characters’ underwhelming reactions to the unfolding horrors, characterized by a noticeable lack of fear, shock, or sorrow, detract from the film’s ability to engage the audience fully in its terrifying premise. Additionally, the musical score occasionally distracts more than it enhances the unfolding dread.
Despite this, the film stands as an entertaining piece, showcasing a flair for the macabre and a commendable attempt at genre filmmaking. While it falls short in fully realizing the emotional depth and terror of its setup, its technical achievements and the promise shown by its cast and crew suggest a reservoir of potential for future projects.
