An atmospheric mix of classic 70's horror and a noir thriller, "The Babysitter " is an exceptional debut film from writer-director Greg Klepper. This short packs a complete, satisfying story experience into its 31 minute run time, and is definitely worth a look.
After suffering a mental breakdown that leaves her expelled from Yale, Katie (Alesandra Assante) is back home trying to get her life together. Her friend Cara (Erica Duke Forsyth) gets her a prime babysitting job with a wealthy, eccentric family in the country. As Katie's night wears on in the Wallace family mansion, strange occurrences start to happen. A sense of dread builds as the story unfolds. What is really happening, and is it all in Katie's mind?
This indie horror short works so well where many others have failed for two reasons: exceptional production quality, and strong acting from the female leads. Evocatively shot in black and white, the cinematography and editing are far above what one usually sees in a short, independent movie. Klepper also shows an understanding of dialogue and pacing that belies his experience level.
All three female actresses shine. Alesandra Assante portrays beautiful Katie with just enough subtlety that we are not really sure what she is capable of, but still have empathy for her. Tyler Merell manages to make Mrs. Wallace both elegant and slightly disturbing, in a somewhat over the top performance that creepily works. Erica Duke Forsyth as Cara is like a beautiful, ripe peach hiding a rotten core. The casting is perfect for all three roles.
This homage to a mash up of classic horror thrillers, from "Halloween " to "When A Stranger Calls", and its slick, twist ending, leaves me wanting more, and curious to see what Klepper can do next.
Recommended Available on YouTube
After suffering a mental breakdown that leaves her expelled from Yale, Katie (Alesandra Assante) is back home trying to get her life together. Her friend Cara (Erica Duke Forsyth) gets her a prime babysitting job with a wealthy, eccentric family in the country. As Katie's night wears on in the Wallace family mansion, strange occurrences start to happen. A sense of dread builds as the story unfolds. What is really happening, and is it all in Katie's mind?
This indie horror short works so well where many others have failed for two reasons: exceptional production quality, and strong acting from the female leads. Evocatively shot in black and white, the cinematography and editing are far above what one usually sees in a short, independent movie. Klepper also shows an understanding of dialogue and pacing that belies his experience level.
All three female actresses shine. Alesandra Assante portrays beautiful Katie with just enough subtlety that we are not really sure what she is capable of, but still have empathy for her. Tyler Merell manages to make Mrs. Wallace both elegant and slightly disturbing, in a somewhat over the top performance that creepily works. Erica Duke Forsyth as Cara is like a beautiful, ripe peach hiding a rotten core. The casting is perfect for all three roles.
This homage to a mash up of classic horror thrillers, from "Halloween " to "When A Stranger Calls", and its slick, twist ending, leaves me wanting more, and curious to see what Klepper can do next.
Recommended Available on YouTube
