Not for the haters of jump-scares, but oh, what a ride is ‘Paranormal Investigators’! While horror-comedy might not be the easiest genre to deal with, efficiently employing the characteristics of the two categories to both amuse and horrify, Markus Meedt makes it look like a walk in the park. The film employs elements from both, ensuring each punch lands as intended. 

It is Abi’s first day at BPIT or the British Paranormal Investigation Team, when things soon begin to devolve into absolute chaos. What may have begun with a brief collision with hostile colleagues, soon takes the form of a haunting that is sure to stay with the entire BPIT team for a long, long time. 

Pushed in a corner in the face of an invincible adversary, both metaphorically and quite literally, the characters have little to turn to for help, when something unexpected happens. The narrative’s path to this eventual point of release is an entertaining, engrossing one. The characters are endearing and amusing, and in the process, ensure that you end up going all the way with them on this frightening, exciting journey.

Paranormal Investigators | Short Film of the Month

What would happen if Victor Frankenstein were to bring a monster to life in contemporary times, with access to modern technology, his research being part of an online course titled Cadaver Reanimation? The two would be called Frankie and Benny, to begin with. 

Our modern-day version is marked by a bonhomie, or at least the desire for it, instead of the cold repulsion of a creator from his monster. When Frankie brings his dead friend Benny to life, he realizes he has on his hands something very different from his dreams of a rekindled friendship. Instead, he now finds himself with an 'abomination', as he calls Benny himself, who is here to stay for life, and not simply for Christmas. 

The resultant narrative is marked by humor, but also, by the brutal aspects of existence and the human body that creep up on the viewer in the most unexpected ways. They make you flinch, but at the same time, also ensure that you cannot look away from this story of grief, guilt, friendship, loss, and the eventual circuitous path back to hope and companionship. The chemistry of actors, and the other crucial components of the film’s world - make-up, sound design, writing, visual grammar - all supplement the endeavor to ensure ‘Frankie and Benny’ becomes an endearing, entertaining narrative about the experiences of a shared bond between two friends.

Frankie and Benny  | Short Film of the Month

The scene is of a dinner party, a space defined by effervescence and warmth, but also one which is not entirely devoid of complex undercurrents only waiting to make their presence felt in a more pronounced manner. Soon the host, in an attempt to keep the energy of the group high, suggests the game of Werewolf.
 The film does a notable job of using the same physical space to invoke emotions of horror as well as humor as the plot develops. Additionally, smooth handheld shots enable it to portray a pivotal sense of intimacy that serves to involve us deeper in the fate of the characters, along with bringing out the personality of each of them. Consequently, the right beats are conjured, ensuring an accurateness of rhythm, edit and flow of the conversation.
 There is further a comment to be made about the tension and stressors that often constitute a group dynamics finding an echo in the 'lynching' and 'killings' conducted within the game itself. On the whole, the final result of Werewolf presents an entertaining, engrossing product that will stay with you long after you are done watching it.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links