The Tell Tale Heart - A Hooked On Horror Review

So I was lucky enough to be sent a private screener for the upcoming short film- The Tell Tale Heart. The film, directed by McClain Lindquist, is a modern re-imagining of the classic Edgar Allen Poe story. As per the official synopsis-

"Adapted from Edgar Allen Poe's original text, this Original psychological thriller Story has been re-imagined in this mind-bending, pulse-pounding, bloody-disgusting short film."

I've got to be honest this film surprised me, I really enjoyed it. Considering this story has been done again and again, I found myself looking at it through a fresh pair of eyes as the film makers re-told the classic psychological thriller. The cinematography and camera work was fantastic, it looked great. I don't want to ruin the film but the use of certain shots, with quick, fast paced editing made for something really special. One or two moments reminded me of the quick cuts of Captain Howdy, as he randomly flashed up for a few times in The Exorcist. Certainly made more of an impact on the story, the audience and added more depth to the film's central character- the narrator. The shots and editing combined with the acting managed to subtlely create a very real, and unsetlling, sense of dread and forboding throughout the film. It's as if you slowly descend into madness with the narrator as he confesses and attempts to come to terms with the unspeakable things he has done.

The cast were great; had good chemistry and gelled together nicely on screen, however Sonny Grimsley (as the narrator) stole the show for me. He was phenomenal. Really sold the conflicted character and his descent into madness. His performance was never over the top, but for me was a lot more subtle, slow and steady. Grimsley managed to bring almost a sense of sympathy to the character, odd and slightly distrubing considering what his character had just done. The make-up and special effects were surpisingly good considering this is a low budget film, I won't go into too much detail here but there's some pretty great gory moments in it!

All in all a fantastic short film that embodies and pays tribute to Poe's original story whilst re-imagining it. It does this brilliantly whilst taking inspiration from horror classics like The Exorcist, Psycho, The Shining, American Psycho & the classic TV Series The Twilight Zone. I often found myself debating whether or not this entire series of events was solely in his head or was actually happening. The film as a whole is undeniably horror, but it's not a flat out in your face horror film. It's more psychological; it makes you think and is a slow burning scare that will stick with you long after you've finished watching the film.

I've been told the film will be doing the film festival circuit and hopefully by the end of the year it should be available to stream and purchase online. We will keep you updated with a release date when we know. Believe me this is one you won't want to miss.

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