A misty, winter wasteland is the viewer’s first introduction to the film’s world. The image that it invokes is of a liminal space defined by its eeriness. It's further coupled with an intrinsic beauty that lends it a strangely atmospheric quality. Amidst it all is located an unnamed protagonist who is lost, and plagued by strange lights in the sky. As he attempts to find his way, the path only gets more and more mysterious and circuitous. 

The screenplay is beautiful in the construction of this space, alongside its two primary performances - our hapless, confused protagonist, and a woman’s presence in the center of a non-descript realm consumed by darkness all around her. Further, the title of the film is thoughtfully chosen - does it refer to a phone call? Does it refer to the strange space the protagonist is unable to make sense of? It serves to deliberately nestle these questions within the narrative. 

The establishment of the world is achieved with such impact that the short in its current form offers a premise for a longer film. It has all the right elements to capture the viewer’s attention. Taking us deeper into its world would help to expand on the narratorial construction which already presents deep potential, skill, and ease in everything that it wants to convey.

Holding Pattern  | Short Film of the Month

The world of The Paranormal Communicator is most fun and entertaining. Despite the potentially gruesome aspects that constitute it, namely, murder, violence and a haunting, it remains a realm you find yourself heading deeper and deeper into. The characters are endearing, and sure to stay with you after you are done watching the film. 

Michael (Michael Benjamin), a medium for spirits, visits Veronica to help her in the aftermath of her brother’s demise. After an awkward introduction, the former more awkward than the latter, the two lead the viewer by the hand into the heart of things. 

The humor which is invoked in the process, remains smooth and effortless. The plot, that is based on characters made famous by Benjamin on TikTok, is engaging throughout. Consequently, the film presents to you a story which does not seem to take itself too seriously, and yet ensures that all the punches land. The endeavor is sincere and devoted, and leaves one with a lovely union of horror and comedy at the end of it all.

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