The short film “Polaroid,” clocking in at just under four minutes, is a good horror film. For an indie feature shot for under $500 by Joey Greene and Paul Houston, and taking place in the solitary location of a man’s apartment, it excels at creating tension, chills, and atmosphere. Its protagonist, Alex (Ethan Mikael), is more narrator than victim in the film’s proceedings, showing the things hiding right in front of us better left unseen. But with a low, droning score and a slow-to-build tension, the duo of filmmakers smack you with an ending you should have seen coming. The film’s testament is that you didn’t.
The entirety of the film’s plot rests on a polaroid camera found in a box in a man’s apartment as he sits one night going through a box. He plays with it, snapping some pictures. A single lamp shines in the corner; the rest of the apartment is basked in darkness. His first picture develops slowly, and there’s nothing much in it but empty rooms. His second picture—taken of the kitchen via the hallway—also develops. And let’s just say this one isn’t so innocent.
A Masterclass on Tension-Building
I’m really hesitant to give away more of this film’s plot or proceedings. It’s that good. “Polaroid” is about scary moments and atmosphere, and not about gore, unnecessary jump scares, and effects. There are some effects and costuming, and it’s great what the film’s makers were able garner for the price tag. There’s also a jump-scare. But unlike tired renditions of the same in countless slasher flicks, here it’s never been more necessary.
The lover of the macabre in me can’t help but wonder if Houston and Greene were inspired by horror novelist H.P. Lovecraft here. In one of his stories, “From Beyond,” a deranged inventor creates a device that can show humans ultraviolet light and other things beyond the grasp of the naked eye. His victim sees horrific things he can’t unsee…even after the machine breaks and he can no longer see them. That’s the feel “Polaroid” has. It’s horror is through suggestion and visuals; but both work to bring a film that is eerie yet silent. Alex doesn’t speak a word here, but the tension speaks volumes.
A Great Lead, Score, and FX
The lead actor, Mikael, plays the part of an unafraid curious man who should be afraid well. He snaps several photos; each one ramps up our nerves more and more. One photo he stands up and moves closer to take. The fright is palpable. It’s made all the more so by the filmmaker’s use of low, eerie sounds, and nothing but the snap of a camera…and then waiting…to raise the tension even more.
More really shouldn’t be given away about this film. It was produced in 2017, and is available to watch on YouTube here. You should definitely watch this film. At less than four minutes it goes by quick, but makes you feel tension that lasts. The costuming and effects in the film are stellar, and its ending is perfect. If you’re looking to feel eeriness and dread that is fresh in its approach, “Polaroid” is a great film to do it.
“Polaroid” is currently available to watch on YouTube.
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