Review: ‘The Changing Room’ Horror Short that Screams Less is More

One actress. One room. Four minutes. That’s all filmmaker Sam Evenson needed to craft a chilling flick with “The Changing Room.”

This 2022 short captures simplicity. Evenson – who operates the YouTube channel Grimoire Horror – makes a seemingly mundane situation truly terrifying.

A young woman (Jamie Taylor Ballesta) brings an outfit into a changing room. There’s a trippy infinity mirror, and at first, she has fun playing with her reflection(s). Until she sees something. Something that shouldn’t be there…

The film works on two fronts.

The situation of the character is easily relatable. We’ve all brought clothes into a changing room. It’s a strange situation. Undressing in a room that doesn’t belong to us. And in front of a mirror. Are there hidden cameras? Is someone behind the mirror watching? It lends itself to discomfort right away.

Here, it’s the ominous feeling of the room, coupled with the mirror. And the unsettling movement of the, shall we say, antagonist. It’s fuel for nightmares.

Jamie Taylor Ballesta plays the nameless character exceptionally well. It’s a tough role in that there’s no dialogue. Ballesta relies on raw emotions. Her range goes from playful to terrified in seconds. Ballestra excels and has the makings of a great Scream Queen.

My only complaint is the very end, which is a minor issue. Rolling credits at 3:45 would have been ideal, but it goes one step too far. Still, “The Changing Room” is a solid short film. You’ll think twice the next time you try on clothes.

Watch here
Check out Jamie Taylor Ballesta on Instagram!

“The Changing Room” is currently available on YouTube.

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