THE STOMACH

THE STOMACH is a British short horror film that was released in 2014, whose unique narrative has attracted several fans of the genre over the years. The movie’s central theme revolves around a grim, supernatural story that grapples with themes of greed, guilt, and brutal truths. Directed by Ben Steiner, and featuring Simon Meacock, Ben Bishop, and Peter Marinker in key roles, the film holds an intriguing concept that elaborates an eerie speculation about the dark side of human imagination, often ignored by traditional horror films.

The plot of THE STOMACH follows Frank (played by Simon Meacock), a middle-aged man living in London who serves as a human medium for communicating with the dead, which he does through his peculiarly animate stomach. His stomach is actually a "spiritual telephone," a phenomenon that allows him to speak with the spirits of the deceased. Frank’s business mostly involves grieving families who yearn for a last word with their departed loved ones. It is a gloomy, lonely life filled with sorrow, but Frank has made it his livelihood.

However, this unique ability of Frank’s doesn’t go unnoticed in the underworld of criminals and gangsters. One such character is Tom Goody, played by Ben Bishop. Tom is a dangerous and ruthless figure whose ruthlessness and gruff exterior hides an intense need to reconnect with a figure from his past. Upon hearing of Frank's abilities, Tom is intrigued and brings along his half-brother, played by the legendary Peter Marinker, to witness the surreal performance, interested in taking advantage of it for their own dark purposes.

As the narrative develops, tension and conflict arise. The entanglement between Frank’s unwavering morality and the greed of the underworld brings out the menacing elements in the story. Frank is portrayed as a humane and simple human being who inadvertently serves as a pawn in a nefarious game. The movie explores Frank's deconstruction, his ordeal, and his fight for dignity and survival, making the audience question the very nature and exploitation of his unique ability.

One of the many highlights of THE STOMACH is the intriguing transformation of the mundane into an epicentre of dread. Cinematographer Paul O’Callaghan impeccably uses haunting visuals and an eerie backdrop to paint a chilling picture of dread and the supernatural. Relying heavily on minimalistic set designs, the shabby English house where Frank lives has, to a large extent, been transformed into a character in itself. Its peeling wallpapers, old wooden furniture, and dimly lit corridors add to the chilling atmosphere.

The three central performances are impressive, to say the least, with Meacock's portrayal of the perpetually tormented Frank producing an extraordinary sense of empathy from the viewers. Bishop shines as the hardened gangster Tom, successfully instilling fear and tension. Marinker, as Tom's half-brother, adds an extra layer of complexity and ruthlessness to the characters involved in this unusual spiritual ploy.

THE STOMACH is further enriched by a soundtrack which underscores the tense and distressing atmosphere of the film. It breathes life into the quiet and dreary rooms of Frank's house, bolstering the suspense in moments of silence, while the sound design complements the contrasting moments of shock and quietude, enhancing the overall chilling ambiance that is quintessential to the genre.

Aided with a powerful script by Ben Steiner, the movie is a brilliant reflection of the dark corners of human ambition and desperation. With its diving into unsettling territories of the supernatural, it keeps the viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Despite its short runtime, the film retains depth and provides a horrific journey that lingers with the audience even after it’s over. A brilliant exercise in building suspense, mixed with thought-provoking themes, and underscored by brilliant performances, THE STOMACH is a must-watch for all fans of horror and supernatural genres.