The Tent

I think a movie can be any length. So, what did I think of 'The Tent'? Well, it's already a good sign when the film goes by fast and you're bummed it's finished. The fact they were able to propel original characters with an original idea in under 15 minutes is incredible. You can really feel the nostalgia and appreciation to old horror films. Especially in the score and sound effects. There are some really cool transitions (you'll understand when you watch) too. The film is shot beautifully, including some very nice drone shots. Acting/characters are great, and adds to the fun in the film. Overall, I highly recommend watching. Reminder: this is a horror film, and you all definitely should check it out October 1st.

This short was a waste of my time. Don't let it waste yours.

At 14 minutes, we get an overindulgence of amateur slomo photography that puts the audience to sleep. By the time it gets to the climax, I was so check out I forgot the film was actually about a Tent.

The Tent scene was interesting, but not worth the wait. The FX were not very good.

Pass.

Bro, 2 directors and you still got nothing but loose experimentation in the film. Though it still managed to make me remember it. Maybe it was the music. Since it was far more catching than the actual visuals. Will praise the composer for that. Not everyone can pull of a John Carpenter. Especially not as a short. Makes things look less serious as a horror when filmmakers do that. No wonder this felt like a student fan film. I don't know. Maybe I just can't tolerate such nostalgia in horror anymore. Especially when it's done mindbogglingly over and over and over again, by most short filmmakers who don't seem to understand what horror films actually are. Good background music won't cover up a lethargic narrative. Just like a good 80s soundtrack will not attract an 80s audience except a few cult fans.

Directors Rene Rivas (The Spirit of Haddonfield) and Bryan C. Goff have delivered an October Surprise!

This horror film is a tension building, atmospheric, visually appealing short.

Having been familiar with Rivas previous outing on his fan film, I was cautiously optimistic going into this. Rivas along with Goff, manage (in under 15 mins) to captivate the audience with stunning visuals, mood, and beautiful sound. Indie shorts are notorious for their minimalistic budgets and crews. This definitely stands out amongst the crowd.

The original score, composed by Rivas and the cinematography are very gripping. At a certain point the film commands your attention to the smaller details of this modern day take on a stylized throwback to an 80s classic genre piece. I found myself later pondering the beverage choices between the males and females in the film. You don't even see drinks, but I have feeling you too might catch it.

Speaking of details, I will say this. To those hardcore Halloween film fans, like myself, who know every detail of the film. You will know it when it happens. On this same topic, Rivas who composed the music himself, really does pull you in. I do not know if he wishes to compose his own music but he like Carpenter need not be replaced on his own films.

The Tent follows Heather (Marla Robison), who is out for a jog through a peaceful State Park when she comes across a red tent right off the path.

I will say that their is just one detail of the film I would change and utilize those few seconds toward a different scene in the very precious run time.

However, I still highly recommend this very well made short. If you too thought the title card seemed reminiscent of another Carpenter picture wait until you get the open and end credit sequences. The 80's throwbacks are appreciated. The capture of the essence of a true genre film, definitely make 'The Tent' one of this seasons best horror shorts.

Now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Youtube, Vimeo and others.

THE TENT provides you with an instantly engaging story featuring a small cast (which I'm a big fan of) and provides the viewer with just the right level of frightful and creepy vibes throughout. With gorgeous cinematography by Rivas, this film is a love letter to all we hold dear about 80s horror and I believe it would fit perfectly alongside a horror classic like CREEPSHOW. Props also to the filmmakers for including a few easter eggs that any horror fan will appreciate. And speaking of the 80s, the soundscape (also by Rivas) is immersive and never manages to overpower the scene providing all the subtle vibes needed to set the pace for the runner and fading out at just the perfect times to create a better sense of dread.