Director(s) – Chris Baker and Matt Fitch (Google Stories: Brown Moses, The Other Side of the Fence)
Starring – David Shields (Doctor Who, Black Mirror), Charlie Rix (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Martyr’s Lane), and Jeannie Eggleton (Wonder Woman, Evermoor)
Release Date – 2024
Rating – 4/5
I’ve been writing reviews for Horror Society for over ten years now and I tend to notice a pattern when I’m working on them. I can go several weeks or months without a horror short sent over for review but when I finally get one, they usually come in pairs. A few weeks back I was sent the Hallmark inspired horror short Cookies for Christmas to review which I accidentally forgot about. When I finally got ready to give it a go I received an email asking to review another horror short title Backmask. I decided to double feature them both and it was a damn good time.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a musician that found success with his band. However, he wants to create something that is purely his own. This prompts him to buy an old Georgian mansion to live in while he records his solo record. However, while recording his recorded he discovers a sinister voice inside his tape recorder requesting he do more in order to find that one thing he’s missing from his record. **Spoiler Alert**
When I was asked to review Backmask I was sent over some images, a trailer, and the press release which really peaked my interest in the film. With that being said, it did not prepare me for how beautifully shot this one is. When you combine that with the fantastic cast and solid story you are left with a horror short that far surpassed my expectations.
The acting in this one is fantastic. The cast is extremely small and while everyone carried their own weight, it’s David Shields that makes the film. Everyone has amazing on screen chemistry, the dialogue works and feels genuine, and everyone involved goes all in.
The story for this one is great for a short but could be so much more if they were to expand on it. I loved the idea of a film set in the 70s where a man sacrifices those close to him for fame. It’s a great premise for a short but I would have loved to learn more about the supernatural presence and what happens to him once he makes the sacrifices.
Finally, the film has some blood but that’s the extent of it. It works for the film but those of us with a taste for gore will be a bit disappointed. Overall, Backmask is one of the best horror shorts I’ve seen during my tenure at Horror Society. While I do have some questions, it was still a phenomenal watch. I highly recommend checking this one out.
