Night of the Slasher

Night of the Slasher is a 2015 horror short film written and directed by Shant Hamassian, featuring Lily Berlina, Scott Javore, and Adam Lesar in the lead roles. This award-winning short film brilliantly distills the essence of an '80s slasher film into a concise and gripping spectacle, all within a short time span.

At the heart of the plot is Jenelle (played by Lily Berlina) who is not your typical teenager. Uniquely, she seems to be consciously engaging in all the typical clichéd behaviors known to invite trouble in every classic horror movie you can think of. She drinks alcohol, dances provocatively, and is alone in a seemingly secluded house. This layered character embodies both the innocent victim and the knowing bait, resulting in an intriguing blend of vulnerability and calculated risk. Berlina’s performance as Jenelle effectively captures this balance showcasing fear, determination, and resourcefulness that captivates the audience.

Scott Javore takes on the role of the 'boy next door', delivering an underplayed performance that subverts expectations, embodying several different tropes of the genre within his part. He is ostensibly harmless and friendly, but there is a sense of unease that hangs around this character, skillfully portrayed by Javore.

Adam Lesar plays the metaphorical boogeyman, a masked, shadowy figure who embodies every horror fan's worst nightmares. Lesar gives an unnerving performance, inspiring terror and suspense in every scene he features in. His menacing presence is the embodiment of the persistent threat looming over the characters. The mask conceals his face, representing anonymity – a metaphor for unnamed anxieties and general human fear of the unknown.

Director Hamassian does a fantastic job in creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense, with the setting playing a crucial role. The isolated house, dim lighting, and a killer lurking around create a sense of foreboding, making the audience anticipate the unseen horror that is bound to jump out. The seemingly ordinary locale is transformed into a terror-filled stage for the typical cat and mouse game observed in this genre.

While the narrative does follow the conventional route of your classic slasher film, it subverts these tropes in interesting ways. There is a clever meta-theatricality at play, with the film being acutely aware of its own status as a horror flick. It knowingly winks at the audience with its adherence to and then subsequent deviation from classic horror tropes. This balance between tradition and innovation is beautifully handled, providing fans of the genre with what they expect, whilst also surprising them in the most unexpected of ways.

The cinematography and editing deserve special mention as well. The movie is shot almost entirely in one take, a technique that not only showcases the director’s skillful staging and careful planning but also significantly ramps up the tension. This continuous take creates an unrelenting atmosphere of sustained fear, making the audience feel as if they are part of the scene. The sense of claustrophobia and anxiety is thus heightened through this unique narrative device.

In its short runtime, Night of the Slasher manages to capture the essence of much longer slasher genre movies, combining intriguing characters, tension-filled storytelling, and atmospheric cinematography. The film manages to pay an homage to its predecessors but stands out due to its unique takes on the genre.

In conclusion, Night of the Slasher is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts that appreciate both the classic traditions of the genre and innovative storytelling. Its clever reinvention of classic slasher film conventions makes it enjoyable and refreshing, promising a chilling and exciting viewing experience in the short time it runs. Despite its brevity, the film certainly manages to leave a deep impact on its audience and provides a fresh take on the slasher genre.