Terror on the Thirteenth: Transfigure

Horror stories and films have always been on the cutting edge of technology--not just when it comes to cinematic special effects, but also the technology that is commonplace in our lives. Partly, this is necessary because how can characters be isolated and stalked by a scary killer when all they need to do is use their cellphone and call for help? It is also necessary because part of what makes horror stories horrific is how they invade and corrupt our everyday safe existences.

Computers, smart phones, the internet, and all manner of instant messaging and video-chatting has been the fodder for horror films of varying lengths for quite some time now. It's natural, because over the past 15-20 years, our lives have grown increasing centered around them. This month's Terror on the Thirteenth selection is one of those, being brought to us by talents who have emerged as favorites here at Terror Titans--writer/director Dylan Clark and his frequent star Hannah Clark.

We love everything about how this is executed and we also love the fact that the main character doesn't just sit around and wait for doom to befall her, but we also wish that there was more to this film. There are so many unanswered questions by the time it ends that we want to see "Transfigure" developed into a longer piece. (More often than not, we're satisfied with having unanswered questions by the end of these short films, but not here! We want more!)

Transfigure (2021)

Starring: Hannah Clark

Director: Dylan Clark

Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

31 Nights of Halloween: Threshold

With Halloween almost upon us, even turning on all the lights might not protect you from the lurking horrors, as Hannah and Charlotte discover when they hear something go bump in the night. (Actresses Charlotte Butcher and Hannah Clark have starred separately in films featured earlier this month, and they unite here as we Halloween is almost upon us! (It's Dylan Clark's fourth film to be featured during these 31 Nights of Halloween.)

Threshold (2017)

Starring: Charlotte Butcher and Hannah Clark

Director: Dylan Clark

Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

31 Nights of Halloween: Home Movies

Have you ever watched old movies and felt nostalgic... but also spotted something you don't remember or which seems off? The subject of tonight's mini-fright film can relate. Although she wishes she couldn't...

"Home Movies" is one of the best film's that you'll see during this year's 31 Nights of Halloween. It's the second appearance of writer/director Dylan Clark and his leading lady Hannah Clark... and they top the excellence they've already delivered with this one.

One thing I REALLY like about it? Clark addresses what could have been a manifestation of Stupid Character Syndrome while making the film a whole lot creepier.

Home Movies (2020)

Starring: Hannah Clark

Director: Dylan Clark

Rating: Ten of Ten Stars

31 Nights of Halloween: Behind the Frame

This is the first of four chillers from director Dylan Clark that you'll be able to enjoy during this years festival of mini-fright films. 

Behind the Frame (2020)

Starring: Hannah Clark

Director: Dylan Clark

Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

A teenager (Clark) receives a packet of photo prints, which includes ones that create reality instead of document it.

This is a fun little excursion into supernatural weirdness, with good acting by star Hannah Clark, and a level of production values that shows director Dylan Clark was cognizant of the means he had as his disposal and he worked brilliantly within them. The only quibbles I have with this otherwise fine effort is that the art of the walls in the girl's room should have been different in style from one that was brought into existence by the photos... and there's just a touch of Stupid Character Syndrome at work here to keep the story moving.

Over all though, this is great stuff and perfect viewing during these 31 Nights of Halloween.