23 April 2012

The Beast 2012 (Short Film) - REVIEW


It's not often that we end up doing three posts in a row about the same person. We wouldn't want to seem like we were playing favorites or anything but when an actor has been in more than 60 horror films in just a few years and has been crowned the UK's King of Horror (by Erebus Horror) he's bound to make repeat appearances on a horror site. It also doesn't hurt that we here at Twisted Central think he's pretty fucking awesome. Ok so maybe we do play favorites a little... this isn't high school so get over it.

Jacob (Alexander Le Bas) has been stricken with a terrible affliction that, if not contained, can be deadly for everyone around him. His father Michel (Bill Oberst Jr.) will do whatever it takes to save him but when push comes to shove, can he do what is necessary to save the people he loves and free his son?

Let me start by saying that this is one of the most well shot extremely, extremely, did I say extremely, small budget horror shorts I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Oberst brings a compassion and humility to his character that I'm not really use to seeing from him. Not that I'm complaining, I think he's a phenomenal actor with a range like very few others in the industry. Young Alexander Le Bas shows some chops as well and this was his very first role... EVER! Watch your backs teen heartthrobs, this one here will give you a run for your money (just please don't sparkle... ever... please). Peter Le Bas  is Jacob's uncle, Douglas, and plays a more antagonistic role than Oberst but not to the point that viewers will despise him. He's caring and feeling and you can see that the situation is tearing him up on the inside. Peter Dukes who wrote and directed this little gem proves that he knows how to take a simple concept and create a suspenseful, well paced film.  

I'm not going to pick this film apart because in my opinion what they did with a super micro-budget was more than mind blowing. I've seen short films with triple the budget that fell apart within the first five minutes. Kudos to Dukes and his superb cast and crew for crafting a film that has more heart and passion for the genre than most Hollywood productions out there these days.

To keep up with Dukes and his gang check out their website at www.dreamseekersprods.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter



1 comment:

  1. Thank you for taking a look at Peter Dukes' film! I loved this script on the first read because it reminded me of the feel of old-school Universal horror. Shooting it was a blast. Peter did wonders with 600 bucks. Somebody give this man a budget and cut him loose!

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