Have you ever experienced that, when attending a horror film festival, the supposedly unimportant short movie in between two screenings is actually a lot better than the long-feature viewings you bought expensive tickets for? This can either be due to the main features being weak and disappointing OR it could just be that the horror short in question is exceptionally great, and this is definitely the case for "The Babysitter Murders". Writer/director Ryan Spindell pretty much delivered the perfect homage to '80s horror in a mere twenty minutes, and simultaneously proved that he's more than ready – and capable – to direct long features or prominent TV-work. The uniquely cool short benefices from fast pacing, spirited performances, surefooted direction, excellent make-up effects and a traditional albeit very engaging slasher plot! The young, cute and blond babysitter is about to comfortably install herself in the sofa, with diner and a movie, when there's suddenly a bloodied guy standing in the living room. She heard on the radio that a deranged mental patient escaped from the nearby asylum, so undoubtedly he must have broken into the house! She's a feisty cat, though, and she courageously fights back with all the weaponry she can find in the kitchen in order to protect herself and the child
"The Babysitter Murders" has a twist-ending in store that is (arguably) rather predictable in case you're familiar with horror/cult cinema, but it nevertheless remains a fun twist that only makes the short movie even better than it already was. Another terrific aspect about this superior short horror flick is the parallel film-within- film sub plot. The battle between the babysitter and her assailant run parallel with the cheesy horror movie that the girl began watching on TV; which leads to a couple of refreshing scenes. My most sincere congratulations to Ryan Spindell and his entire cast & crew, as this is truly a fantastic little effort!
