Short Film Review

Film Info:
A fisherman suffers from visions of his wife who had vanished 20 years ago. Playing with themes of isolation and paranoia, he explores a world full of
unanswered questions, walking the line between science fiction and horror.

Written By: Nicholas Valaskatgis
Christopher Valaskatigs
Directed By: Nicholas Valaskatgis
Genre: Sci-Fi, horror
20 Minutes

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UNCANNY HARBOR ( 2015 )

  In this day and age, we've all heard the stories. Aliens. We've watched the movies, read the books, and a good number of us have even seen, or know someone that has seen the mysterious lights in the sky. Unless you're a Government official, it's not so easy to simply deny the existence of ET anymore. For most anyhow. So how does this all tie into "Uncanny Harbor"? Like the familiar sound of your cell phone ring, you've seen this film before. The main elements are easy to pick up on right from the start. It's a movie about aliens, plain and simple.
  Although not an original concept by any stretch, Nicholas Valaskatgis still manages to pull off quite an entertaining flick, one that is original enough to be fresh and entertaining, but uses common themes as a way to ground the movie in reality. It's a funny thing to realize that we've all heard so many stories, so many times, that incorporating these overused elements actually adds credibility. Without all the reports, rants and conspiracy theories we've come to know and love, abduction stories just don't seem real. In most cases it's like a fiction within a fiction. In this respect, "Uncanny Harbor" does a great job. The stories we know with a slight twist to make them unique. It's all here, wrapped within a short film that's sure to keep you glued to your screen. As I wrote above, nothing terribly original in concept; yet put together in a completely entertaining way.
  On a technical level I don't really have much to complain about. "Uncanny Harbor" looks and sounds great! If you're hoping for that "independent film" that really looks like an indie film you won't find it here. The shots are pro and polished, the audio is smooth and clear, and it's all edited together with a seemingly natural gift for pacing. Both production and post-production just scream of a job well done. I should mention in passing however, that I swear I could see the drone operator during one of the initial areal shots. That though, could simply be me adding to the conspiracy of the movie.
  Another surprise? The acting itself. All I'm going to write is that the cast shines through-out the 20 minute run time, never coming across as if reading from a script or sounding unnatural. Considering we're talking about a clichéd genre, I was never left groaning about a cheesy line delivery. Overall, excellent job all around.
  Nicholas and Christopher Valaskatgis have written us an entertaining short film. No doubt about it. Somehow, they've managed to pull in elements from numerous different takes on the "aliens" genre, creating a somewhat unique look of a timeless subject. Throw in a splash of creepy atmosphere, add some ice and shake well. You're left with "Uncanny Harbor" in all it's glory. Easily, one of the best indie short films I've had the pleasure of watching this year.
  PS: Loved the alien itself! Done better than a lot of studio "aliens" I've seen over the years. Easily another feather in the cap for the movie.
-JT

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