by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to The Short List! Each month, I treat you to a collection of short films. Hopefully I can inspire you to check some of them out…
An Almost Christmas Story (Disney+)
When you are trying to craft a new holiday classic, you need an atmosphere and themes that connect deeply to the holiday, so that the second it starts, the audience will be transported. David Lowery is a director with an impeccable eye atmosphere and tone, and he delivers with his charming and tender little animated film, An Almost Christmas Story, a tale of a displaced owl cut off from his father, and lost in the city. Getting home to your family is the most common holiday tale, and it fits perfectly with this scenario. The animation and character design are rich, with textures and details which give the film a unique feel. Plus, the musical numbers from the Folk Singer (John C. Reilly) are charming and sweet, bringing you right into the holiday spirit. Reilly, Jim Gaffigan, and Natasha Lyonne bring loving character to this film which has a good heart and a feel-good journey.
A Bear in the Woods (YouTube)
What is the best time to seriously consider your relationship status? When you and your partner are stuck in the woods with a bear outside your tent, of course! A Bear in the Woods is a dark horror/comedy which delivers some good tension and suspense, with a bear looming around. The film milks plenty of horror from its concept (and there is certainly some solid fleeting body horror), but its core is its relationship dynamic: a woman pushing 40 with a younger man. Should she be risking it all for a guy who she doesn’t know is in it for real? The film navigates those issues in a sharp and effective way. Mimi Michaels’ subtle facial expressions tell us all we need to know about her evolving perception of the young man in danger. A Bear in the Woods is a charming, dark, 10-minute romp.
The Turnaround (Netflix)
Jon McCann is a huge Philadelphia Phillies fan who has had a traumatic life, and The Turnaround does not avoid any of the roadblocks in McCann’s life, including his suicidal thoughts. Directors Kyle Thrash and Ben Proudfoot craft an intimately shot and deeply emotional experience that pulls the layers back on fandom. But when the film reaches its darkest point, it captures one of the most positive acts of fandom in recent memory, which McCann was right at the center of. The Turnaround captures the standing ovation for struggling mega-star Trea Turner which would result in one of the biggest hot streaks of any player in recent baseball history. The climactic montage of Turner going off is a towering cinematic experience full of emotion. That is the magic of baseball, and it’s what makes this film so special.
I Am Ready, Warden (Paramount+)
Justice isn’t simple. That’s the reality that is shown in Smriti Mundhra’s docushort, I Am Ready, Warden. The film looks at the case of John Henry Ramirez, who poignantly and thought-provokingly reflects upon his transgressions against society and takes acceptance of his actions. This film is filled to the brim with emotion and tragedy from all perspectives. Mundhra does not shy away from the reality that haunts any situation like this… how did we even get here? This short film is about loss, free will, forgiveness, and pain, and will shake you to the core, making you look at the far-reaching effects of a single crime. Few films you watch this year will hit you so deeply and authentically.
The Curse of Dracular (YouTube)
Starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, The Curse of Dracula is a cult classic of monster horror. But just imagine if it was created with claymation, and told by a child. That is exactly what you get with The Curse of Dracular. This fun little flick might truncate the story and add in some conveniences, but those elements make it charming and funny. If you know the story of Dracula, you know it. But if you want to have a silly burst of fun from the perspective of a child telling a story full of blood and death, this one will certainly satisfy your appetite. Now you just need to get this kid to retell a bunch of other Hammer Horror flicks. It would be a gold mine!
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd