Kolé Mahoney’s Biter is a collision of hip-hop and horror, a short that dives in, fangs first. Set in a neon-lit recording studio, it lures the audience in with the familiar rhythm of a rap session, only to rip that comfort away with razor-sharp precision.
The film wastes no time establishing its atmosphere. The neon-lighting sets the stage for something electric – until the power cuts. The studio plunges into darkness, and in that void, SHE appears. Vampira (Precious Angel) makes an entrance – her presence both seductive and terrifying. The moment she claims her first victim, ‘Biter’ reveals itself for what it truly is: a blood-soaked nightmare wrapped in the sheen of music video aesthetics.
Kevin Richard Best anchors the film as the studio engineer, and sitting right beside him – his assistant, Vampira, a predator hiding in plain sight. Samad Savage and Ioan Delice bring an authenticity to their roles as Marcus and Rico, two rappers caught in a session that turns from beats to bloodshed. Their vocal talent is a jot to watch, making the horror hit harder when the reality of their situation sets in.
Mahoney’s direction is slick – as is the cinematography and editing that keep the momentum alive. The film leans into its music-driven identity, with an immersive sound design that elevates the tension. It’s stylish, gory, and unrelenting. If there’s one critique, it’s that the premise could go further – this world is rich enough to demand expansion. But as a short, ‘Biter’ delivers exactly what the title promises.
