Simplicity is key. Filmmaker David Roncone seems to abide by that motto as his short horror film, Stuck, is as basic as it gets. This lack of convolution plays to the film’s advantage – in fact, at 9 minutes, it functions quite well as an extended teaser for a potentially petrifying full-length feature.
Sophia (Ianua Coeli Linhart) moves into a spooky old house. While waiting on her girlfriend, she discovers a large chest, covered in satanic-looking insignia, wrapped in thick chains and an old lock. When Sophia opens it, she unleashes a demonic spirit – one that bites, is surrounded by murky black smoke, and is hell-bent on possessing her. She – somewhat inexplicably – hides from the entity in the very chest from which it was released. It’s better not to spoil how it all ends.
In the film’s synopsis, it states: “[Sophia] has to face the malevolent entity who reflects her personal struggle with insecurity.” Said struggle isn’t all that evident – Sophia texts her girlfriend, pops open the chest, and engages in a short battle of the wits with the demon. Perhaps she’s insecure about her relationship; if so, the point needed to be made a bit clearer.
Otherwise, Roncone and his lead are onto something here. The setting and production design are suitably creepy. Several scenes are bound to make the viewer yelp out in shock. When Sophia leaves to get bolt-cutters, something happens that’s guaranteed to evoke shrieks. Another moment involving a mannequin marks the film’s highlight.
The open ending leaves the viewer craving more, which is exactly what Roncone seems to have been aiming for. There’s nothing new here – but novelty is substituted by robust direction and effective scares. Bring on Stuck: The Feature!
