I’m not sure why I like “Baby Doll” but for some reason, I did.
The 2019 short was written by Christian Toia and Abby Salico. It was directed by Dan Verno, Cameron Fernandez, and Toia.
It’s a 30-minute indie film straight through. The sound quality is poor at times. But the sharp camera work and edits are ambitious. Its amateur nature gives off a consistent unsettling vibe that adds perfect ambiance.
Baby Doll
Ben Wilcox (Jachob Hollenbeck) is a bit unhinged. He sleeps on the floor, chugs liquor from the bottle, and has an unhealthy obsession with women. Specifically, Ruby (Mikaela Huber) a random customer to his job one day who he immediately becomes infatuated with.
Jachob Hollenbeck does a decent job in the lead role. He’s not James Stewart, nor does he need to be for this part. He plays crazy quite well, and that’s what’s called for here. Obsessed with Ruby, Ben falls into a strange section of madness I won’t spoil here. It’s worth watching for his performance alone.
Mikaela Huber is solid as Ruby. With limited time, Huber makes the viewer fully sympathize with her character and her plight.
The Verdict?
The soundtrack was composed by Myuu, and it was the best part of the production. The film lasts 30 minutes and would have been better off at 20.
Still, “Baby Doll” is a unique sort of horror not often found. It’s worth watching if you like unsettling stories, and enjoy supporting indie film.
Click here to watch Baby Doll.
