Bedlam Stories

Pearry Teo's 

Bedlam Stories

Christine Converse

Horror - Fantasy
5 Stars

"It's an excellent foray into the mind of a mad-man claiming to be sane in the pursuit of science. Intense, brutal and deliciously demented and utterly disturbing. I loved every moment I sat spellbound within the walls 
of the Bedlam Asylum."
Char Hardin/Charred Remains

Fans of the tales of Oz with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin-Man and the Cowardly Lion and Alice in Wonderland hold to your memories as the two collide in Bedlam Stories with a horrific spin that will have you leaving the light on to chase your nightmares away. 

I have had the distinct pleasure of immersing my mind between the pages of this book for some time now and its inescapable story sucks you in and holds you captive until the very last page. Bedlam Stories is set in the 1920's in an asylum. Undercover reporter Nellie Bly has set her inquisitive sights on the asylum and wishes to uncover the answers to her myriad of questions. 

Nellie's expose on Bedlam Asylum she hopes will shed light on the pondering of such thoughts as to how the women who were patients at the asylum came to be in such a place. Were they truly medically insane? Perhaps a husband not wishing to go through the proper channels of a divorce just dumped his wife as a means of escaping matrimony and a sizable loss of money wasted on divorce. Nellie wondered if the women housed in Bedlam had been homeless or some other unfortunate event led to their placement. Were the women properly fed and housed? All her questions running in around inside her head have led her to being admitted into Bedlam for observation. "It surprised me how easy it was to convince the doctors and authorities that I was a fit for the asylum that I was to be shipped off to."

Nellie's expose was not just a simply write up in the paper. Yes, she was digging for answers to her questions, but it was also a wake-up  article she wanted to write in the hopes of starting a "Revolution" in regards to how women were treated. Nellie was creating her own movement with her undercover story.

While inside Nellie will meet a young girl named Dorothy and the incident Dorothy shared with Nellie on how she arrived at Bedlam wore heavy on Nellie's heart and she formed an instant bond with the small girl. A bond that would test the boundaries of friendship and test the strength of Nellie's sanity with the introduction of another young soul a frightening entity named Alice.

Within the walls of the asylum, Nellie learned all was not right and her reporter sense kicked into overdrive, but her sense of fear was greater and upon being thrust into a living nightmare at the hands of the physician who took a oath "to do no harm", Nellie will need to gather her inner strength, to survive to tell this hellish tale and share the real truth behind the goings-on within the asylum doors. 

The reader for the first part of the story may think this is a tame story of a nosy woman hell-bent on a story for a newspaper or the chance at a Pulitzer, but (for me) by chapter 10 the story takes a darker stance and all that you once thought you knew about Oz, Dorothy, Alice and Wonderland is laid to rest with a maniacal glee as the beloved creatures become something evil, monstrous and unforgettable.

Excerpt...taken from pages 186 - 187

"Did...you...do...this...to...us?" the dreadful vision before her struggled to speak, its voice imprisoned by the timing of its mechanized whirring gears and ticking sprockets.

Nellie clapped her hand to her mouth to keep from crying out. The thing's human skin intertwined with its rusted...panels and lengths of chain, and angry, red flesh bubbled over the edges of its twisted, black pipes and metallic skeletal armatures...Nellie stepped back and turned to run but the automation grabbed her with a m...

Want to know what happens next? I recommend that you click on the website and find out where to go for a copy of your own. Once you arrive at the website you will find a prequel, Project Alice to download for free. I strongly recommend you check it out as well and don't wait for Alice to send you a personal invitation to Bedlam Asylum, order your book right away. The next book in the collection is coming soon! 

I wish to thank Pearry Teo and Christine Converse for sending me a copy of the e-book for Bedlam Stories and for their patience and understanding for the delay of the review. I loved the e-book so much, without hesitation, I ordered the paperback and have read this book so many times that the front and back covers are curled and pulling away from the spine. I truly enjoyed seeing how Oz and Wonderland clashed with the new stories and with Converse's own creative & her horrific spin, I am most anxious to read the next book to find out what happens next. 

This is an highly imaginative piece of work and I am thrilled to learn it's being made into a film. Be sure to "Like" the Facebook page and check back for updates on the progress of the film.

The Bedlam Stories was beautifully written and well edited (Although I do remember just a couple of errors) and the illustrations placed throughout the book was stunning. I loved the presentation of the cover art and that the font was not tiny and had extra space between the lines, made for comfortable reading. The general pacing of the story from its seemingly calm to full out adrenaline rush is suitable for readers 13 and up. Parents of younger readers be advised the descriptions were detailed and the scenes disturbing and violent and may cause night terrors, but fans of horror will love it. 

For days after I read the last word, I could still hear the screams and sometimes, late at night just before drifting off to sleep, I am at the gateway to my dreams, I turn to see a pair of red eyes staring from the shadows and I hear the off-key singing of a little girl named Alice.

This story will be included in my favorite books from 2013 list coming soon to this blog.

From outside her door...someone singing softly, off-key...

His treatments cruel they all did fail:

He left me in a daze,

And when he came to use the drill,

I set them all ablaze;

Then I shook him from side to side,

Until his face was blue;

"And now the time has come, I cried,

To do the same to you!"

Excerpt taken from pages 330 - 331

Quite a Conundrum

Director - Thomas L. Phillips

Writer - Thomas L. Phillips

Stars: Sasha Ramos, Emily Rogers, Joe Coffey

Comedy - Horror - Thriller

5 Out of 5

Click here to see the red band trailer.

Kylene's (Emily Rogers) parents will be out of the house for the night and her big sister Mimi and her best friend Tabitha (Erin Cline) have invited a couple of guys over for a party. Mimi (Sasha Ramos) permits Kylene to invite her boyfriend Harris (Anthony Rutowicz) over as well. There will be alcoholic beverages, music, fun in the pool and whatever comes naturally. 

Tabitha's boyfriend Sean (Chris Greene) arrives with Dutch (Joe Coffey) a guy he is bringing for Mimi. Two guys looking to score and have a good time with two hot consenting women. Tabitha convinces Mimi to give Dutch a chance and Kylene's boyfriend Harris arrives after being dropped off by his holier than thou mother Thelma (Catherine Trail) who was on her way to play "Jesus Bingo". All the guests have arrived and the meet and greet commences and into the pool they go. Hanging out and having a good time. Perfect. What could possibly go wrong?

A man from Mimi's recent past arrives and throws a kink into the pool that no one saw coming. The party comes to a halt and the guests are thrown into a panic about what to do and to make matters worse another surprise walks into their party with damnation on their mind and things take a nose dive into mayhem and terror. "Quite a conundrum" indeed.

I have had this film for some time and just couldn't seem to get my words together until about the thirteenth viewing, I said, I have got to write this review. I absolutely FREAKING LOVE this film. The casting of these actors and actresses is a dream team that worked beautifully together. I am familiar with Erin Cline from the short-film, Date Night directed by Jason  Fragale. When I saw that she was playing Tabitha, I knew I was in for a treat. Joe Coffey who played Mimi's mystery date is also another familiar face having seen him in another short-film directed by Jason Fragale, The Guy Knows Everything. Coffey as Dutch was no surprise to this reviewer but his role was used as a twist to the plot of Quite a Conundrum and I enjoyed seeing his character change before my eyes. Erin and Joe were my favorite characters, but not the only ones giving a fine performance.

Sasha Ramos played the spoiled and promiscuous Mimi. Mimi is in her twenties living at home while her father pays for her college education. She is beautiful, vivacious and has terrible judgment in sexual partners. To find out how terrible, you must see her performance in Quite a Conundrum. It is because of sexual explorations that the party she and girlfriend Tabitha threw turned into one disaster after another. At one point in this film, I actually felt sympathy for Mimi. Sasha was playful, serious and through it all there was strength about her character that pushed onward. I enjoyed her performance.

Emily Rogers was Mimi's eighteen year old sexually confused sister Kylene.  Kylene invited her boyfriend Harris to the party but it as time passed it became perfectly clear she was more interested in someone else and who that person was left poor Harris baffled and equally as frustrated. Emily had a crazy roller coaster ride type character. Highly emotional. She was uncertain about her feelings for her boyfriend, while feeling something for another and then witness to the downfall of the party and all the upset that went along with it. Emily was fun, deep and pulled it off nicely. 

Anthony Rutowicz as Harris was a trip. Harris was invited by the love of his life Kylene and he had one thing on his mind, too bad fate had other plans for him. He was partying with the big boys and girls and got smashed on alcohol and begged his way into seeing a quick boob flash by one of the older girls. The heartbreak came when Kylene broke his heart and oh my, did fate have a wicked twist of fate for Harris. 

Catherine Trail as Thelma was a hoot. She was the epitome of the over the top goodie-two shoes Christian mother that just oozed comedy and religious zealot. But if you listen closely some her comments are off the cuff and from "pure" thoughts of the religion she professes to love. I loved Catherin as  Thelma, though her character's time was brief in her scenes, she was quite the comical character. She was one that was so sweet that one could feel the cavity growing in their tooth. 

Chris Greene as Sean came across as a womanizing jerk only after sex. His purpose introducing Dutch to Mimi was not something a good friend would do, no, he wanted to help Dutch hook-up instead of letting the man and woman get to know one another. A fast fix for a good time was his motive. When the party turned upside down, Sean had one thing on his mind...getting the hell out of there. Being a viewer of the predicament, I can't say that I much blame him for wanting to get away. 

Quite a Conundrum was written and directed by Thomas L. Phillips and I must congratulate this man on creating a funny, disturbing, dark comedy that is a highly twisted work of art. Never at one moment was I bored or not entertained. The story pacing was great, it didn't over extend itself meaning it started and lasted an adequate amount of time. It wasn't a convoluted mess. It made since and hooked me and kept me on the edge of my seat with this tongue in cheek madness unfolding on the screen. This is my first time viewing Phillips and I hope that it is not my last. Originality is something I look for and found it in this film.

Film festivals will love QAC as it has already been in many and cleaned up on awards. It should do quite well in sales once it is released on DVD. Bloggers were all over this film in 2013 and the film is still going strong in 2014. I highly recommend seeing Quite a Conundrum,  you will laugh your ass off and gasp in all the right places and hopefully learn that anything that can go wrong most certainly will when you least expect it.  The perfect party became the perfect disaster and led me to give it 5 out of 5. Congratulations on your 2013 successes Thomas and cheers onward with many more in 2014 and beyond.

Look for the film's Facebook Page and give it a like for originality and good film-making.

10 Crazy Char Questions : Creep Creepersin

10 Crazy Char Questions 

What did you eat for lunch? 

CC: Pineapple pepperoni pizza

What is the coolest trick you ever taught your dog?

CC: I say, “Bang, bang” and she rolls onto her back.

If I were to present you with a box of Crayola Crayons the 64-count what color would you pull?

CC: Sea foam green and bronze.

Would you eat canned tuna fish that did not have the “Dolphin Safe” logo?

CC:  Fuck yes I would! That’s brain food.

You are wrapping presents and run out of tape, what would use in place of tape?

CC:  I always run out of tape, so I use gift bags and tissue paper.

What pisses you off about other drivers when you are driving?

CC: That they exist.

If you could own any mode of transportation in the world, what would it be and what color?

CC: A yellow Fiat from the ‘60’s.

 What is the first thing that pops into your mind, when you see this question?

Pierced or Un-pierced?

CC: Tongues.

Who or which band was the first concert you ever saw?

CC: Declaration, Hooligan Stew, Alley Cat Scratch at the Troubadour. I was 12.

You have been standing in a long check-out line at Target and when it’s your turn, the cashier asks you how many bags you will need? At which time you are informed, in order to receive bags, you must pay for them. What is your reaction?

CC: Tell them to fuck themselves.

CH: I agree!

Creep Creepersin is the author of Creepology Vol. 1 a collection of bizarro fiction, currently available on Amazon. His new serial, Black Star Canyon is quickly becoming a fan favorite with it's engaging prose and intriguing plot. Episodes 1, 2, 3 are available with 4 releasing Tuesday, January 14, 2014.

For more information on Creep Creepersin visit his website: http://creepersin.com/.

10 Crazy Char Questions with Jimmyo Burril

Jimmyo is a writer/actor/director and for those who are not familiar with his work, he is the writer/director behind the fun twisted series Chainsaw Sally, The Good Sisters two sisters living together in the suburbs with a secret, if gets out could rain trouble down on the house of Good. For this interview, I will not be asking what inspires Jimmyo or where he sees himself five years down the road, no I am more interested in what kind of toothpaste he uses and other crazy off the wall thoughts knocking around in my head. 

Horror colors are generally black and red. Tell me, what are your thoughts about the color orange?
JB: I love orange! Orange is one of my two favorite colors orange and green. I have a dream car of a black and orange Mustang Shelby.

The use of toothpaste is essential to a happy healthy mouth. What brand/flavor do you prefer? Gel or Paste?

JB: I use Crest white. I like the gel, but not a real toothpaste snob. I do wish I had a better smile though. I would rather be known for my smile than my sneer.

You were raised in the South, what three things do you miss most about living there?

JB: Mainly my friends from home and for some reason my allergies are better there than here. I'm not sure why. Also, I do not like snow season. Since I didn't grow up with it, I have no romantic memories of playing in it as a child. I used to wear cut-offs year round and I liked that.

What was the last song you heard on your car radio?

JB: I listen to Sirius Radio, mostly Howard Stern, but I think the last SONG I heard was "One Headlighty" by The Wallflowers. Lilli and I made comment of how much we liked the song, because it sounds hopeful. My feeling I get from the song is even when things are dark, and falling apart, you can make it through with a little love and support.

"Hey, come on try a little

Nothing is forever

There's got to be something better than

In the middle

But me & Cinderella

We put it all together

We can drive it home

With one headlight"

Man has a natural curiosity about outer space. NASA has sent many probes out in search of life on other planets. What are your thoughts on the possibility of life on other planets?

JB:  God, I hope so. I think there IS life, maybe not on our local planets, but in some other solar system, sure, I would think so. We can't be it...I think it's CRAZY to think in all of the Verse, we happen to be the only shit-heads around.

If you could see into the future and knew the exact time of your death, would you want to know?

JB: NOPE!

Do you think Nuns are hot?

JB:  No, and I will tell you something about the Nun Fetish...I'm no Catholic...I'm not prudish...but the idea of slandering something like that...a choice that a woman has made for her life...be it your shared belief or not, is rude and insulting. It is a smack in the face to any woman who has made such a commitment to her faith...for whatever her reasons may be. No...I don't think it's sexy...and no, I don't think it's nice. Don't fuck with other people's faith unless you've walked in their shoes.

What is a pet peeve when eating in a restaurant?

JB:  I don't have one. I'm a good tipper. I am never rude to waiters or waitresses. They are doing a shitty job...but they are working and have to pay their way. I figure someone is bringing me food or anything else...I should be grateful. 

Top or bottom?

JB: Well both of course. Variety is the spice of life. Top, Bottom, Side, upside down, hanging from a swing...but if you're asking for a favorite, I would say STANDING.

It’s the middle of the night and you awaken from a nightmare, what’s the first thing you reach for and why?

JB:  I would grab my i-Phone to see what time it is. Usually, I then get up and go downstairs to watch TV until I'm sleepy again. Sometimes, I get on Facebook and see who's up. I am then, usually, set upon by various critters.

Thank you Jimmyo for taking the time to answer 10 Crazy Char Questions. Great answers!  I have had the pleasure of speaking to Jimmyo and his gorgeous wife April on a separate occasions and they are a joy to interview. Our most recent talk can be heard on Charred Remains. For more information visit http://www.chainsawsally.com/.

The Banshee Chapter

Director - Blair Erickson

Writer - Blair Erickson, Daniel Healy (story)

Stars - Katia Winter, Ted Levine, Michael McMillian

Horror - Thriller

4.5 Out of 5

I FREAKING LOVED THIS FILM!

James Hirsch acquires a mysterious drug from "Friends in Colorado" for investigative purposes for his new book. To aid in his experiment, Michael has enlisted the assistance of friend, Renny Seegan to video Michael ingesting the drug. Moments after Michael hears music that only he can hear and he races outside his home with Renny on fast on his heels and then...seriously, did you seriously think I would tell you? Get real, I want you to see this film.

Fast forward past Michael's experiment,  a journalist Anne Roland has begun her own investigation into the disappearance of her friend from college. She tracks down a writer the notorious Thomas Blackburn. She misrepresents herself and gets an invite to Blackburn's home. Once there after meeting friend of Blackburn, Anne is tricked into ingesting the same mysterious drug. Strange occurrences within the home drive Anne and Blackburn to flee.  

Time spent with Blackburn helps Anne to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together, but will she find her friend? Will she gain insight into the mysterious drug and find out its origins? To answer these questions, you are just going to have to see it for yourself. Available from XLRator Media on VOD and i-tunes January 10, 2014. This is the first film of 2014 that I can honestly say was worth the wait. I saw the trailer for it a couple of months ago and was delighted when I was able to acquire a screen from XLRator Media. 

Ted Levine (Silence of the Lambs) who plays Thomas Blackburn is awesome. He is sarcastic in a playful cynical way and stole every scene he was in. He was my favorite character. At one point he is in back seat of his car and says, "It's 2:15 am, my eyes are bleeding, can we go home." He was tossing out some really comical lines. 

Having Michael McMillian cast as James Hirsch was a plus. The last I saw of him was as corrupt preacher turned fanger in HBO's 'True Blood' series. Although he was not in the film overly long, and to my dismay, he did leave a lasting impression that will have some of you jumping in your seats. 

Anne Roland was played by Katia Winter and I enjoyed her performance. She was personable and determined to figure out the whereabouts of her friend who had disappeared. There was a scene at the end that brought a tear to my eye. I thought this actress did a very good job working opposite Ted Levine. He is still my favorite character but Katia gave him a run for my attention. Fans of the hit television show, Sleepy Hollow may recognize Katia as she plays Katrina Crane on the show. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. At times it lacked a little substance and left you scratching your head, but also, if viewer pays attention to Thomas Blackburn he explains what's going on through the telling of a Lovecraft story. If not exactly what's going on but has a strong semblance to the happenings in the film. Fans of X-Files and The Fringe may enjoy the science fiction/horror feel to this creepy mind-bender. It has a few well placed jump scares and it takes fact and the meshing of fiction rending it believable and it also does justice to found-footage and documentary typed made films. Great special effects make-up and the sound effects were weird and creepy.  It is a must-see for early 2014. It's coming to DVD soon but as stated above, it is currently available on VOD and is so worth whatever price to see it. I am giving The Banshee Chapter 4.5 Out of 5 and it will be on my 2014 Fave Films list. 

43 Men of Indie Horror

Happy New Year Indie Horror fans! 

Looking back over the year 2013, so many people were involved and working hard in Indie Horror. I have already posted one list of 35 Women and now one for the men. The list makes up a variety of men who impressed me with their drive for excellence in 2013. For the record, there were more than 35, but since I cut off my long list of names at 35, will do so for the men. However, since the list for the women was added on plus 8, only fair to do same for the guys making the new total 43. 

 If you didn't make the list, please don't think it an oversight or feel offended, because there are so many men out there that deserve recognition for their efforts and successes this past year. Fans of Charred Remains are welcome to post additional names in the comments. 

Brian Dorton - Director

Chuck Norfolk - Director

Billy Pon - Director

Loyd Cryer - Owner of Texas Frightmare Weekend
Drew Daywalt - Writer/Director/Producer

Chad Archibald - Director

Ry Barrett - Actor/Producer

Gabriel Carrer -Director

Ryan M. Andrews - Director

L. Gustavo Cooper - Director 

Bill Oberst, Jr.- Actor

Creep Creepersin - Writer/Director/Producer/Musician

Thomas L. Phillips - Director

Brandon Slagle - Director/Actor

Christopher Giroux - Director/Actor

Rick Greenwood, Jr. - Director
Jay Luna - Host of The Phantom Zone Radio Show (1 of 2 hosts)

Parrish Randall - Actor
Jimmyo Burril - Director/Producer/Actor
Anthony Gutierrez - Cinematographer
Cody Calahan - Director
Steve McGinnis - Artist
Skip Shea - Director
Pearry Teo - Director/Writer/Producer
Robert Nolan - Actor/Editor/Producer
Tyler Mane - Actor/Producer/Writer
Jeremy Sumrall - Director
Kevin Sommerfield - Producer/Writer/Actor
Mike Patton - Writer/Musician/ Podcaster/Magazine Publisher
James DePaolo - Blogger
Rickey Russell - Blogger
Corpse Cast (Mike Cadaver/Shane Diablo*) - Reviewers/Podcasters
*Shane is drummer for DieMonsterDie
Robert Poole - Founder of Indie Horror TV
Torin Langen - Writer/Director/Cinematographer
Patrick Rea - Director/Writer/Producer
Todd Card - Writer
Marcus Sabom - Director
Mark Crow - Artist
Larry Carrell - Director
Demon-Boy - Musician
Greg Petaloudis - CEO Diabolique Magazine
Kelly Michael Stewart - Festival Director of The Blood in the Snow Canadian Horror Film Festival

Suggestions from fans of Charred Remains or others listed below.

Keenan Powell suggested Steve Hudgins - Writer/Director/ActorWriter/Director

Emi suggested Jeffrey J. Timbrell - Writer/Director/SFX/Critic

43 Hard Working Women of Indie Horror 2013

A new year approaches and with it comes challenges for one and all. What about those ladies who are out there scouting for film sites, designing sets, memorizing lines, putting together wardrobe for actors, mixing up batches of blood, making guts, building a monster, writing an amazing script, promoting a novel, or how about directing her first feature film? Phew! That's a lot of hard work and on top of that some women of Indie Horror hold down full-time jobs in addition to their work in horror. 

This year, I wanted to do something different and not focus on picking one women who represents the genre. No, you won't find just one, but a whole list of 35 women who are working in their field of horror and inspiring and paving the way for women of tomorrow. To narrow it down to just one was impossible. Each woman is unique in what she does and the time put into marketing and networking in addition to interacting with fans on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter and yes, even Myspace is truly amazing knowing their schedules are jammed packed with other activities. 

Jessica Cameron - Actress/Director

Jen and Sylvia Soska - Directors

Devanny Pinn - Actress/Producer/Writer 

Rebecca Torrellas - Actress/Producer 

Maria Olsen - actress

Karen Lam - Director of "Evangeline"

Shannon Lark - Actress/Co-writer/Co-Director of "I Am Monster"

Lori Bowen -Co-Director of "I Am Monster"

Maude Michaud - Director of "Dys"

Heidi Honeycutt - Writer

Nicole Andrea Guzman - Radio Show Host of The Phantom Zone 

Hannah Neurotica - WiHM Founder/Ax Wound Creator

Michelle Tomlinson - Actress/Producer/Director

Colleen Wanglund - Writer

Zoe Humphries - Artist/Illustrator/Podcaster Host of #451 Podcast w/Creep Creepersin

Danielle Harris - Actress/Director

Jennifer Blanc - Actress/Director

Kerry Droll - Producer/Radio Show Co-Host/

Tricia Lee  - Director

Rebekah Herzberg - Writer/Actress/Mom

Courtney Sandifer - Director/Producer/Production Designer

Alexis Iacono - Actress

Liane Langford - Actress, Writer/Producer/Radio Show Co-Host

Lia Scott-Price - Writer/Comic Book Writer/Publisher

Dawna Lee-Heising - Actress/Producer/Publicist

Jamie Page - Author

Izzy Lee - Filmmaker

Reyna Young/Miss Misery - Director/Writer/Producer

Beth Accomando - Writer/Blogger

Shiva Rodriguez - Special Effects/Editor

Cyndi Crotts - Actress

Tara Cardinal - Actress/Director/Author

Heather Dorff - Actress
Debbie Rochon - Actress/Writer/Producer

Tiffany Shepis - Actress

I have to cut it off somewhere. These are just some of the amazing women who are very active in Indie Horror whether they are acting, writing, directing or promoting I am blown away with what these ladies of Horror have done in 2013 and looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us in 2014. 

Help a lady out go to their IMDb/Facebook pages and give them a like. They do their best to entertain and inform horror fans...give a little love back. 

If anyone has someone they would like me to add to the list, contact me via the Charred Remains facebook page and Thank you Kristy for your comment and list of names. 

Kristy Jett left a comment on Charred Remains facebook page and I thought it was sweet and wanted to add it to the the list. She said, "Awesome list! Great additions would be Jessica Dwyer of Horrorhound Magazine, April Snellings, Liisa Ladoucer, and Monica Kuebler from Rue Morgue, Rebekah McKendry from Fangoria, Christine Hadden from Fascination with Fear, Andre Dumas from The Horror Digest, Heather Seebach from Viewer Discretion Advised just to name a few. They are absolutely some of the hardest working women in our community!"

Jimmy Hollywood suggested Debbie Rochon - Director/Actress

Keenan Powell suggested: PJ Woodside - Writer/Director

Claire "Fluff" Llewellyn - Writer/Director 

Out of One's Misery

Director: Michael Sharpe

Writer: Michael Sharpe (screenplay)

Stars Pat Dortch, Michael Sharpe, Kayli Maree Tolleson and Mahri Shelton
Short - Horror - 15 minutes
Reviewed by Char
3 Out of 5

Out of One's Misery opens with a man in the throes of grieve over his wife and child. He is sitting in a semi-darkened room devoid of sound but for his own grief and memories. A knock at the door breaks the tension and the man goes to answer. He is met by a smooth talking stranger who is has been out searching for his wife and daughter who have mysteriously disappeared. He asks to warm himself by the fire, so the grief stricken man allows him entrance. And as the story unfolds the end will shock you. 

I was sent this film back in September from the director and it got buried in facebook messages. I was excited to see that it was submitted to the film festival of which I am apart of and scrolled back through the messages and found the link to the film. Happy that I didn't have to wait, I pressed play and sat back and enjoyed it.

When the man allowed the stranger entrance to his home, I couldn't help but groan. I said to the screen, "Dude, never let a stranger into your house, they make horror movies out of this scenario." When the twist came, I smiled. I like how Michael Sharpe thinks and it was so subtle that the viewer doesn't have to scratch their head and wonder where it came from. Viewer can sit back and enjoy. 

The main character David (Pat Dortch) was very believable in his grief and gave a great performance. I felt a few tears well up over his anguish and upset. The stranger Sanford (Michael Sharpe) was smooth and melodic in his interaction with David. His questions to David finally push to far and David's memory is called into play and the ramifications of them leave to a startling conclusion. Beautifully shot with awesome sound effects of voices and the deceased surrounding David. All-in-all Out of One's Misery is a great short film. I wish Michael all the best with film festivals; he has a winner that everyone should experience a trip down memory lane.