Blindsided
Official synopsis: A blind schoolteacher is thrust into a nightmarish game of survival when an alien spaceship crashes and unleashes a monstrous predator.
Visually impaired actor Crystal Loverro gives a stunning performance in Blindsided as a blind woman who hears sudden chaos taking place from the seeming safety of her apartment, with Cinematographer James Suter focusing on her expressions and reactions much of the time. Writer/director Patrick Hogan wrings maximum tension out of the situation, with Sound Designer David Barbee providing excellent aural atmosphere. Dustin Washburne’s creature design is also impressive.
The Last Story on Earth
Official synopsis: Facing angry protesters, a determined drag queen does her best to finish a fairy tale reading at the local library. But when an alien invasion upends Earth’s existence, the queen encounters new challenges that forebode terrifying outcomes for humanity. Trapped within the library, her storytelling skills are suddenly put to extraordinary tests, jeopardizing the lives of the last humans on Earth — the families who’ve cherished her stories and the protesters who’ve scorned them. Ultimately, it is the supreme power of imagination that holds the key to both the queen’s survival and the invaders’ domination.
It’s Us vs. Them in more ways than one in writer/director Aaron Immediato’s The Last Story on Earth (U.S., 2024). All drag queen Lady Pixie Dust (Pickle) wants to do is read a book to children and their parents, but protestors aren’t happy about that. The situation worsens when Earth is attacked by extraterrestrials and tolerance can mean the difference between life and death. Science fiction has long tackled social issues and this short does a fine job of just that.
Lupe Q and the Galactic Corn Cake
Official synopsis: Aliens. Punk rock. Corn cakes. In space, only grandma’s Latin cooking can save you.
Lupe (Sophie Skates) just wants to practice with her punk band, but her wise grandmother (Magda Ochoa) teachers her that making corn cakes together just might be useful during an extraterrestrial encounter in writer/director Javier Badillo’s charming sci-fi comedy Lupe Q and the Galactic Corn Cake. The short highlights the importance of recognizing tradition and roots — while still rocking out.
Close Encounter
Official synopsis: A skeptical teenage girl, Riley, reluctantly joins her UFO-obsessed father, Jerry, on a road trip to a UFO convention, only to experience an otherworldly encounter that brings them closer together.
Science fiction that warms the heart? Yes, please! Writer/director Jeph Porter crafts a touching short that blends science fiction elements with family drama. Allison Carmody and Dale Dobson give wonderful performances as a daughter and father at odds about extraterrestrial life.
Also playing as part of the block but not received in time for review for this article is the short Foreign Body.
The Galaxy of Terror shorts block screens as part of Nightmares Film Festival, which takes place Oct. 16–19, 2025, at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit https://nightmaresfest.com/.
