The Resonance is a chilling short film that follows psychologist Sloan Campbell (Sashia Dumont) after she is assigned to review the case files of psychiatrist Dr. Burt Landry (Chris Gillespie). Co-directed by Dumont and Paul Robinson, this eerie horror film delves into Campbell’s unsettling journey as she uncovers a series of recordings from Dr. Landry’s evaluation of a deeply troubled patient. Over the course of one tense night, the audience is drawn into the disturbing details of the psychiatric sessions – gradually realizing that things are far darker than they initially appear.
Dumont delivers a captivating portrayal of a 1970s psychologist, showing incredible range despite her character’s lack of dialogue. As she listens to Dr. Landry’s recorded voice, Campbell processes the disturbing emotions and unsettling truths about both the patient and the psychiatrist. Dumont’s performance expertly conveys the rising sense of danger, making the audience feel the presence of a sinister force lurking just beneath the surface. It’s as if evil is patiently waiting for the perfect moment to emerge and reveal itself.
The film’s cinematography and editing (Paul Robinson) are haunting, creating an atmosphere that is nothing short of spine-tingling. The direction expertly builds a creeping sense of dread, with every frame carefully composed to evoke an unsettling, almost suffocating tension. The cinematography amplifies this mood, using dark, brooding lighting to heighten the unease on the interior scenes, with soft shadows highlighting the 70’s period décor. Through skillful editing, the pacing builds intensity, ensuring that the suspense never lets up. Each cut and lingering shot intensifies the film’s unnerving atmosphere, leaving viewers on edge, as if something horrific is always on the verge of being revealed. Despite its limited settings and minimal locations, the film delivers a gripping and deeply disquieting experience that keeps the audience on edge from beginning to end.
The original music (Davies Aguirre) and sound design (Michael De Maglie) creates a sense of sinister tension throughout the film. Audio drives the narrative, particularly through the use of analog tape recordings, immersing the audience in a compelling blend of sound design and fragmented voices. The rich, monstrous textures of the score and soundscape build a dark, immersive atmosphere that complements the film’s hyperbolic editing. With much of the story unfolding through recorded audio, sound design and audio mnemonics becomes a central storytelling device, shaping the film’s overall mood and tone.
The Resonance is a macabrely crafted film that excels in creating an atmosphere of unrelenting tension of fear. Through the outstanding lead performance and co-direction, and skillful use of sound and cinematography, the film draws the audience into an unsettling, immersive experience that transforms a simple psychological case study into a harrowing descent into the unknown.
With its eerie tone and disturbing themes, The Resonance is a striking example of how horror can be both subtle and terrifying, proving that sometimes, the most horrifying monsters are those lurking in the shadows of the mind, clawing to come to the surface.
