International Shorts After Dark – TADFF 2022
Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
October 19 to October 23, 2022
Here are our reviews for the International Shorts After Dark showcase.
Tistlebu
A Norwegian film about a couple trying to connect with nature on a Tistlebu farm. This is a bit of a gross-out body-horror short that tries to teach us not to take nature for granted.
3.5/5
Role Play
A one-night stand turns creepy when roleplay is inserted into the equation. This short has a creepy set-up and a very WTF conclusion. ‘Nuff said.
3.5/5
O
A woman becomes obsessed with holes. Featuring creepy smiles and sticking fingers where you shouldn’t, this short is weird and fascinating.
4/5
The Blood of the Dinosaurs
Sociopathic TV host Uncle Bobbo teaches everyone where oil comes from. With a vibe similar to Adult Swim productions like Too Many Cooks, this short progresses from a twisted Mister Rogers parody to literal oil porn to a demonic birthing scene. While meant as a prologue for a longer project by director Joseph Badon, The Blood of the Dinosaurs stands on its own as pure insanity.
4.5/5
Mantra
A woman grows attached to a praying mantis as she watches it for her bug-collector boyfriend. This is an incredibly twisted short that develops a body horror element, leading to its very bloody conclusion.
4/5
Smile
One part clarinet, all parts WTF. Directed by and starring Ryan McDuffie, this brief but quite funny short really needs to be seen to be believed. Also, I’m sure plenty of coffee mugs were harmed in the making of this film.
4/5
Shut
A man is shocked to find his father as a catatonic shut-in. This short is truly all about the end, which is both shocking and thought-provoking.
3.5/5
Bug Bites
A woman receives a very messed up case of bedbugs. From describing bedbugs as “furniture STDs” to a gore gag that keeps on going, this short is all kinds of messed up. And that’s before the big bed bug reveal.
4/5
