Actress Jenna Kanell has graced our screens in several popular horror films over the past few years. From Renfield to The Bye Bye Man and the Terrifier franchise, she’s seen her fair share of jumpscares and gory terrors. But what happens when the cameras stop rolling, leaving the budding scream queen alone with her thoughts? In an informative and pulpy retrospective on the horror genre, director Courtney Dixon sheds light on a monster Kanell has had to fight since her youth: MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). This year’s Tribeca Film Festival truly has some outstanding shorts on its roster, but this is one to really watch out for.
Those going into Depression Is a Beast expecting a by-the-numbers documentary best buckle up, because not only is Jenna’s story as authentic as they come, but the presentation is a feast for the eyes. Beyond merely raising awareness, the film excels in its technical aspects. Horror fans will be delighted to see all the cheeky visual and auditory callbacks that Dixon and co. have cooked up throughout the short. The short features animated sections reminiscent of graphic novels, references to the Twilight Zone, and innovative shots like TV static liquifying.
Kanell is omnipresent, narrating her journey from adolescence to adulthood. “To me, depression is like a monster that follows you everywhere,” she says while guiding viewers through her darkest points. From relationship breakdowns to difficulties in communicating her mental state to those around her, she meticulously explores every aspect to shed light on a disorder that many remain largely unaware of. Not only is Kanell vulnerable, but she is also empowering, revealing avenues to taming her inner demon. Her sentiment, “The true horror is not getting the help you need,” champions this attitude as she tries to coexist with her condition, no matter the circumstances.
A surefire crowdpleaser with a compelling subject at its core, Depression Is a Beast reacquaints horror aficionados with actress Jenna Kanell while pushing documentary filmmaking to gleefully creative limits.
