Upstairs (2021)

<a href="https://linktr.ee/graeaehorror">Linktree: Graeae Horror</a>

Dir. Phillip Trow (Ol’ Silus, After Life, The Innocents), delivers this award winning short in which a young woman brings her new boyfriend to meet the family over dinner. An already nerve-wracking experience is made all the more awkward when her sister makes some shocking revelations.

The next few minutes are fraught with tension as claims and counterclaims are batted around the table, making our guest feel as though he’s stepped into a war zone. The poor fella has no idea what to do!

As the story unfolds it’s clear this family revels in taunting young Jennifer, misleading her to believe she’s delusional. This baiting is such a hard watch and with each claim she makes, her family either dismiss or shut them down, leaving her feeling isolated in what should be a familiar and nurturing family unit.

Validation is later provided when their late father reaches out from beyond the grave to confirm that their dark family secret is in fact the truth.

This short is terrific and driven by strong dialogue and performances. However, there are some effective choices that help to build tension – a ticking clock, no score, creaking floorboards and a thick air of silence.

Upstairs is available now to stream on Alter via YouTube.