Mind Altering Stories

Written and directed by Nicolle M. Whalen, 2022's Mind Altering Stories is an anthology film that stars Cristal Bubblin, Imani R. Green, Larry Greene and Jemel McWilliams.

Featuring three short stories that each subvert expectations, this anthology film is a creepy foray into scenarios that go too far, resulting in unexpected circumstances that will shock you.

The best thing about these stories is how original they are and how easily they manage to get under your skin. This is due to both fantastic writing and equally fantastic turns by the actors who manage to bring the script to life. The underlying theme in all three stories is non verbal communication and how it can result in totally unexpected scenarios that one never intended to take the conversation in.

The cinematography is stunning. From the lighting to the sets, everything aids the story. Equally impressive is the sound design that introduces a new level of creepiness. The direction is good and the fast pace keeps everything chugging along pretty quickly. Since the script is strong, the technical aspects of the production elevate the story, resulting in three short films that manage to impress in all aspects.

2022's Mind Altering Stories is therefore a tour de force in cinematic storytelling. The characters are fantastic, the stories shocking and the overall feel avante garde. Nicolle M. Whalen has created a work of art, one that works on multiple levels. It invites the viewers into its twisted world and then turns this world upside down. Highly recommended!

Wow!" The short film, "Mind Altering Stories" lives up to its title. It is a captivating anthology film that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the intricacies of the human mind. This collection of thought-provoking tales, expertly crafted offers a mesmerizing exploration of the depths of consciousness. However, what truly sets this anthology apart is its ability to resonate with viewers on a personal level. The thought-provoking themes and relatable characters serve as mirrors, prompting introspection and sparking conversations long after the credits roll. For example, I found myself reflecting on how many times I have failed to appreciate the affection offered to me by my loved ones. How well do we know our friends and are they comfortable will letting their true self be known? Sometimes we risk our safety as we chase vanity. We live in a capitalistic and materialistic world that we often forget to acknowledge the love of what really matters in life.

From the opening scene to the climactic finale, each story within "Mind Altering Stories" delves into unique psychological landscapes, weaving together elements of mystery, suspense, and surrealism. The filmmakers skillfully navigate complex narratives, leaving audiences eager to unravel the enigmatic threads that bind each tale.

However, even though the film director might have faced the challenge of a low-budget production, the technical aspects and originality of the film exposes the director's skill. For example, I could not ignore how the film creates suspense through the effective combination of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. These effects make the viewers feel that they are part of the developments on the screen.

"Mind Altering Stories" deserves a wider audience, as it offers a refreshingly unique cinematic experience. I am definitely recommending this analogy film to my friends and loved ones.

Mind-Altering Stories is an anthology film featuring three short stories: Unaware, Too Far, and Non-Verbals.

Unaware is a story about family and coming to terms with loss. There's a lot going on underneath the seemingly normal surface of the first story. Although it gets confusing to follow, the underlying message still comes through. It's about faith binding us to our loved ones and keeping us afloat at our lowest.

Too Far is about a couple of friends in an impossible circumstance finding out that they don't know each other as well as they thought they did. The ending feels like something out of Black Mirror and the whole short feels like a commentary on the craze surrounding content creation culture. Where anything can be consumed as entertainment without regard for empathy or ethics.

Non-Verbals gave me a sort of scream vibe. The shaky camera work and the cat-and-mouse chase are all very reminiscent of slasher movies. Here too, the fourth-wall-breaking scenarios and how the whole premise comes tumbling down took me back to some of my favorite episodes of Black Mirror. I couldn't help but laugh as the whole thing didn't turn out at all as I expected it to.

The cinematography, writing, and acting in all of the short stories are praiseworthy, they keep the illusion intact until the director decides it's time to break it. You'll have to keep your first impressions at bay with this one because the stories will continuously subvert your expectations. All things considered, the film felt like something fresh and original, which is difficult to say anything about these days.