David Barros, the writer and director behind ‘Slicer‘, proves himself as a filmmaker unafraid to embrace silence, creating horror that speaks volumes. In his short film, Barros boldly rejects dialogue, relying instead on raw visual storytelling and sound to communicate tension, fear, and chaos. It’s a gamble many filmmakers wouldn’t dare take, yet Barros pulls it off with remarkable precision, sculpting a narrative that grabs you by the throat without a single word being spoken.
Barros’ craftsmanship is clearly rooted in his ability to manipulate mood and atmosphere. His command of tension is masterful, stretching moments of dread and suspense like a taut wire that never snaps but thrums with the threat of imminent collapse. In ‘Slicer’, the camera is always close, handheld, and shaky, not for lack of skill but to bring the viewer into the very heart of the nightmare.
One of Barros’ great strengths as a director is his instinct for visual storytelling. The disappearance of a body doesn’t just shift the plot – it shifts the air. Barros uses the visual absence of something we expect to be there, and with no dialogue to explain or soften the blow, he makes that absence scream louder than any spoken word could. This is a filmmaker who understands that silence, paired with strong images, can be deafening.
Barros doesn’t spoon-feed us explanations, and he doesn’t rely on jump scares or cheap tricks. Instead, he places the burden of the experience squarely on the viewer’s shoulders, trusting us to sit in the discomfort, to feel the weight of the silence, and to follow the story’s unpredictable path. It’s a bold choice, and it pays off spectacularly.
Barros is a filmmaker who knows how to get under your skin. He has demonstrated a rare gift for building tension, a deep understanding of the mechanics of horror, and a fearless approach to visual storytelling. It’s clear that Barros is not just a director who understands how to craft a moment – he knows how to leave a mark. And in the world of horror, that’s a powerful weapon to wield.