Short Film Review: Date from Hell (2018)

You know how I do the ol’ “Once in a blue moon, a horror short comes along that really tickles the ol’ preternatural pickle…” routine, then I lay my award losing “This ain’t it” punchline in there to thunderous (or is that nonexistent…) applause? Well, this ain’t that!
Date From Hell weaves a terror tale of two mismatched lovers; the meek Bobby (Samuel Brett Howard), and the manipulative Susie (Ava L’Amoreaux). these two get into a bit of a lovers spat before engaging in some rather strange date night rituals…but things are soon complicated by the arrival of a third wheel…and a potentially psychotic one at that. I can’t say more without givin’ away the entire thing…but let’s just say this fright flick goes in some deviously delightful and unexpected directions boys n’ ghouls!
Written (along with Co-Writer/Producer Tracee Beebe) and Directed by Ven Scott (who in turn is the vocalist for metal band Runescarred…and you know how we love our metal in the hallowed haunted halls); Date From Hell manages to be unique, funny, and surprising while also throwing around enough of the red stuff (as well as other ghoulish goods courtesy of make-up wiz Jason Zentner) to satisfy horror hounds…and let me tell ya; this is one of the most professional looking shorts I’ve put putrid peepers on in a damn sight! Speaking of that, not only is the direction provided by Scott confident, the cinematography provided by Brandon Torres (who produced the short as well) is slick as shit, and features enough gorgeous colored gel work to make ol’ Mario Bava’s trousers tight!
I’m gonna bottom line this sinister shit for ya like this ya dig? If you see Date From Hell playing at a festival near you, make sure you get your arcane ass in a seat toot-fuckin’-sweet…a better short you’d be hard pressed to find in our beloved horror biz!
 

 
 

 
For more on Date From Hell; be sure to visit the film’s website and Facebook page!