The Dollmaker

By the premise alone, we know before watching that 'The dollmaker' explores very familiar horror tropes. I kept scrolling any time I saw it come up because I couldn't imagine it would actually be worth my time. Color me surprised, though - once I decided to press play, I've been impressed.

Dead child, creepy doll, vague warnings of rules - these are notions that countless genre stories have dealt with. To my pleasant surprise, 'The dollmaker' takes these familiar ideas in a rather different direction. The sense of horror it presents isn't down to blood or gore, jump scares, or even a thoughtfully constructed atmosphere. The horror in this short is of a more esoteric and lasting variety - the feeling of witnessing or learning about a tragedy that we're helpless to intervene in or stop, let alone undo.

'The dollmaker' focuses not on staple tools of the horror genre, but on simply telling its story. In so doing, it far exceeds the capabilities of most tales that scamper on the same playground, and still comes off as being very creepy - and more than a little sorrowful. Al Lougher's direction and editing work wonders to bring Matias Caruso's smart little story to life, an entrancing vision that well exceeds expectations. The cast performs admirably, with Perri Lauren capably realizing Jenna's descent into fantasy, and Sean Meehan giving a forceful portrayal of put-upon husband Rick. Special commendations, though, to Daniel Martin Berkey, appearing as the unnamed dollmaker: even with limited screen time, he commands a presence that immediately reminds of similarly well-dressed, imposing figures from much more renowned films.

The nature of the narrative at hand means that horror fans who aren't receptive to less visceral entertainment may feel put out. Conversely, viewers who don't generally indulge in horror may find this very appealing. 'The dollmaker' walks a fine line, but does so with laudable skill of both filmmaking and storytelling - this is well worth 10 minutes of our time.

There are films which are hailed as masterpieces despite being boring throughout, just because of their impressive Plot-twist at the end (I Don't want to name any). It just took 10 mins for filmmaker AI Lougher to literally blew my mind away with an impeccable script and chilling final reveal.

Brilliant Direction, Brilliant Acting, Brilliant Photography, Brilliant What Not.

PS: This is the first Short film I've ever watched and now, literally every other short film that I'm watching is falling short of expectations.

Here's a classic setup: Creepy doll, grieving parents, unhealthy obsession; fun stuff. It's well-crafted and acted, with some clever effects and sharp production value. The set pieces with the kitchen and the basement are also well-dressed with some great props and attention to detail.

My only problem is that it's a bit derivative. Maybe I'm just spoiled with how many 'creepy doll' movies are out there, but I feel like I had an idea of where it was going.

All told, I'm glad I saw it! Take a look, but if you have any Raggedy Anne dolls lying around, might wanna look up a goodwill in your area.

Plot

A young couple, Rick and Jenna, fall into despair and heartbreak after losing their four year old child. Reaching out to their last and most twisted option, they pay a visit to The Dollmaker, a crusty character that promises to make reality the only thing they desire most. But every gift has a catch and even though Rick has an unsettling feeling about this arrangement, he'll soon find himself trapped in a never ending nightmare.

Cast

Written by the same chap who brought us Mayhem (2017).

Verdict

First of all let me say that is not Charles Dance on the cover, it had me fooled at first as well.

Now the plot of this fascinating little short is a dollmaker who creates dolls based on a recently deceased person, but these are not ordinary dolls. While you hold the doll in your arms it becomes the person live in the flesh, however you must never take it out of the house and must not hold onto it for too long or it will cause dire consequences. It follows a couple who have lost their young son and have such a doll made, but can they stick to the rules?

Moody, sombre yet remarkable this is a very interesting tale that I would have liked to see as a feature movie provided it was in the hands of someone capable of doing it justice. I love the premise, it's incredible though truly heartbreaking and the shorts twist? Thoroughly stamped on my heart.

Really quite enjoyable stuff.

Breakdown + Great concept + Solid cast + Left me thinking long after the credits rolled

• Emotionally kicked my butt

Rants

The more you think about this concept the more questions it raises such as with such a thing how could you possibly dream of grieving which is an essential process. Is it unhealthy? Would it help someone or hinder them? Given the chance would you do it? Myself, I lean towards no. The idea of having the loved one returned to you forever would surely appeal until you think of logistics like a house move.

Horror is a lot of things- scary, addictive, thrilling, etc. But horror is nothing if it's not subtle, if it's not brilliant, if it's not 'holly shit I did not see that coming.'

And this awe inducing tale of grief and repair is the most significant representation of brilliance in horror.

Hats off!