Alone In The Dark

directed by:
Philip Brocklehurst
written by:
Muhammad Holmatov, Philip Brocklehurst
genre:
Horror

Not to be confused with the studio film that has the same title, "Alone in the Dark" is a no-budget experimental endeavor that delves into the mind. Well, maybe. There is also the possibility that a demon or something has possessed the main character at the end, but I'd prefer to write that it's a study of the mind. It not only makes more sense but also makes the film a little more eerie. But because of how it's all presented, it really could be one way or the other.
The synopsis is quick and easy. A man is relaxing with a book when the power goes out. It's at this point he begins to hear a voice. "I am you and you are me." That's some pretty ominous stuff if I do say so myself. As the film progresses, the reader is then confronted with an embodied version of himself. Making things worse? It smiles and instantly took me back to the "Insidious" movies or even, to some extent, the old film "Scanners." Does this short film succeed in evoking an emotion? Yes. It is creepy. That is however, all it really is.

"Alone in the Dark" is under four minutes long and in that time, not much story really emerges. But I don't think it's about the story. Not this short film. For myself, it was about asking questions. Mainly about myself. The mirror image, other side of a personality type of thing. As I wrote above, you could say this film is about possession but for me? That wouldn't make it half as interesting.
Also worth noting is that no budget usually means no fancy gear to shoot. It shows in this film because of the lack of light. It's a shame Philip Brocklehurst couldn't have set up some strategically placed room lighting. Quite frankly, the grainy picture is hard to ignore on a big screen monitor. Even more-so on a 64" television. But it isn't horrible and the excellent sound design more than makes up for it. As does Philip's expressions during the film. Yes Philip. No insult intended, but your facial expressions really did the trick.
This is an example of a quick idea put together in a quick way. Surprisingly, the results were tolerable and even managed to somewhat do the trick. When using emotions as context. This is a very quick film so there's really no excuse not to watch it. At least to maybe get the adrenaline pumping a little. Perhaps, when the time comes Philip will send over a link to the film when it is public. Or, post one in the comments section.