I Killer

Teenagers with that undeveloped prefrontal cortex can be the most vicious personages on the earth. This little film involves two wanabees trying to get into a gang called the Killers. They must pass the initiation, and one of them seems to be willing to make a great sacrifice to be part of this group of psychotics.

Two young boys go through an initiation ceremony to be able to join a teenage gang called the Killers. In an abandoned house in the hills, the first boy is taken into the main room to undergo the challenge, while the other sneaks a peak through the crack in the door. This Italian short is good when it comes to tension and a sense of creepy dread even if it falls short on satisfying conclusions and delivery. The scenario allows for quite a claustrophobic feel to be delivered, even though the house they are in is physically quite open, there doesn't seem too many options and the feeling of bloodlust and peer pressure is tangible even to the viewer. The short burst of music under the title may be jarring, but it is an impact that helps set you on edge for the rest.

This atmosphere makes the events more engaging and my attention was held throughout. The conclusion brings around a solid thump and presents a nice set of images which I found effective, although it then cuts to a different scene to end the film, which is less satisfying although it is very cool and stylish as it plays out under the credits. Calabrese directs well as the film looks good but also his cast are strong, which must have been particularly hard since it was a cast entirely made up of children, and boys to boot. It may not fully satisfy at the end, but it still works as an atmospheric and memorable short.

You know. you feel. the story, the atmosphere. maybe, the last scene. because, from "The Lord of the flies", the cruelty and the cynism of boy gangs are not surprising. and this film has as basic virtue to remind well known things and to build, in well and precise manner, the tension and the atmosphere. the only victim seems be the director himself who gives an end not bad but , maybe at the first sigh, improvised. a house, two boys and a gang. and the shadow of holes.