I was not familiar with the audio-based social media app Clubhouse until yesterday, but they must be a big deal because the new horror anthology, Sinphony, was conceived of and curated entirely on that platform.
It’s not the worst horror anthology out this week (V/H/S/99 we’re looking at you), but it’s a bit uneven and not as solid as, say, Halloween Ends or Barbarian.
To be fair, these shorts are rendered by young indie types and will be much more appreciated by the target audience than old guys like me.
Here’s the official rundown with synopses – my comments are in italics:
Segment Synopses & Credits:
THE KEEPER
Writer: Gregg Green – Dir. Wes Driver – USA
A small-town innkeeper’s growing concern over domestic abuse between his new guests takes a horrific turn as he stumbles upon their monstrous secret. This one has probably the best visual payoff- a practical effects jackpot that presents a very creepy being.
EAR WORM
Writer/Dir. Steven Keller (Cherry) – USA
A young contractor hired to remove mold from a house, inhales strange spores, causing hallucinations and murder. Engaging at first, but it almost needed a few more minutes of character development to elicit more than a shrug at its conclusion.
TABITHA
Writer/Dir. Jason Wilkinson – (Killing Time) – USA
After a botched robbery, a young woman bleeds out in her car, while being terrorized by a ghostly figure. A one scene film – a woman in her car. Had potential but doesn’t reach it.
DO US PART
Writer/Dir. Kimberley Elizabeth (Nightmare on Film Street Podcast) – CANADA
A recently separated couple comes to terms with the fact that one of them is a ghost. Some comic relief –a cute sketch.
MOTHER LOVE
Writer/Dir. Jason Ragosta – (ZTV, Boy In the Dark) – USA
A witch must summon the power of her coven to defend her child from a crazed killer. I liked it, I didn’t like it, I liked it, I didn’t like it – but Mama makes it a compelling watch. All credit to Kristine Gerolaga who gives my favorite performance of the whole anthology.
LIMITED EDITION
Writer/Dir. Mark Pritchard (Ground Rules, Wake) – UK
Intent on capturing an original moment in time, a woman faces a deadly battle when the moment fights back. Feels classy because of the Brits and location, but almost too ethereal for horror.
FOREVER YOUNG
Writer/Dir. Haley Bishop – (Host) – UK
In a desperate attempt to preserve her youth, a 30 year old woman engages in a social media dance craze that may have dire consequences.
Another sketch-like segment that has a fun payoff.
MATERNALLY DAMNED
Writer/Dir. Nichole Carlson – USA
The anxiety of a woman unplanned pregnancy intensifies as her body goes through a series of unexplained changes. Meh
SYMPHONY OF HORROR
Writer: Sebastien Bazile – Dir. Michael Galvan/Sebastien Bazile (Breuckelen, By Dawn)
A parasitic brain infection causes by a cursed song when heard, sends ordinary people into a killing frenzy.
No
I know these are new or newish directors working on comparatively slim budgets – it’s unfair to dismiss those factors. The anthology has its moments for sure – wish it’d had just a few more.
SINPHONY: A CLUBHOUSE HORROR ANTHOLOGY | In theaters and VOD October 21st
