I thought this looked familiar! The mark of a good filmmaker is having a particular style that is original and sets you apart from the pack, something that makes the viewer go, “this must be a [insert name] flick.” I’m happy to say that John Fitzpatrick has this mark of genius and he’s actually one of my favorite independent filmmakers. His 2013 short film Scypemare was one of my favorites of that year and I’m still anticipating a look at his 2015 effort Brentwood Strangler.
In between writing, directing, producing and editing his short films, Fitzpatrick has also launched a horror anthology web-series called “Scary Endings.” This short film episode, titled The Grinning Man, is the ninth edition in the series and based on true events. “While house sitting his aunt’s house, Karl Ardo gets a strange phone call in the middle of the night from an entity calling himself Indrid Cold – also known as The Grinning Man. As Karl goes to confront the stranger at the front door, he is about to experience something terrifying and unimaginable.”
A little bit Scream, a little bit When A Stranger Calls, a little bit Glasglow Smile and a whole lotta’ creepy, The Grinning Man is well shot, well acted, reminds me of The Gentlemen from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and is definitely worth five minutes of your time. Check it out below!
Stars: Adam J. Yeend (“Black Box,” Liz & Dick) Dichen Lachman (“Being Human,” “Dollhouse”) and Grant Geller
Producers: Brian Chandler, Jessica Chandler, Ryan Dillon, John Fitzpatrick, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Adam J. Yeend
