Thirteen

Wow, "Thirteen" packs a serious punch! Tom Bezani absolutely owns the screen as a guy driving home whose world flips upside down after one creepy phone call. The setup is so simple yet genius-a single call in his car spirals into this intense, nerve-wracking ride that keeps you guessing. Bezani's performance is pure gold; he goes from cool and collected to barely holding it together with just a look or a tense grip on the wheel, making every second feel like a ticking bomb. The story's twists and vague vibes are super intriguing, leaving you to wrestle with what's really going on. Watch it on Omeleto!

(Watched on Omeleto channel on YouTube ) Thirteen, directed with sharp precision, is a pulse-pounding psychological thriller that grabs you from the opening scene and doesn't let go. Anchored by a career-defining performance from Tom Bezani, this indie gem transforms a seemingly simple premise-a tax associate receiving an ominous phone call-into a labyrinth of suspense, emotion, and raw human conflict.

Bezani plays the lead, a meticulous professional whose carefully curated life unravels after a single, cryptic call while driving home. His portrayal is nothing short of magnetic, blending quiet intensity with moments of visceral vulnerability. Bezani's ability to convey a man teetering on the edge of control, while still commanding every frame, makes his character's descent both heartbreaking and riveting. The camera loves him, but it's his subtle choices-tightened jaw, fleeting glances-that make you feel the weight of every decision.

The film's strength lies in its lean storytelling and atmospheric tension. The screenplay wastes no words, building dread through sparse dialogue and haunting visuals. The cinematography, with its moody urban backdrop, mirrors the protagonist's unraveling psyche, while the score hums with understated menace. Supporting performances are solid, but this is undeniably Bezani's show, and he carries it with a gravitas that feels effortless.

What sets Thirteen apart from typical thrillers is its refusal to lean on cheap twists or overblown action. Instead, it mines terror from the mundane-phone calls, late-night drives, fleeting encounters-making the stakes feel unnervingly real. At just under 20 minutes, the pacing is relentless, yet it never sacrifices character depth for thrills.

If there's a flaw, it's that the film's minimalist approach might leave some craving more backstory. But this restraint is also its power, trusting the audience to fill in the blanks. Thirteen is a masterclass in less-is-more filmmaking, and Bezani's performance is the beating heart that makes it unforgettable. This is the kind of movie that lingers, demanding discussion long after the credits roll. Catch it, and discover why Tom Bezani is a name to watch.

Rating: 5/5 Stars.

I watched Thirteen at the Soho Film Festival in New York last year, and it really stayed with me. It was a standout among the shorts screened.

It's a gripping short film that begins with a seemingly simple phone call and slowly builds into a tense, psychological journey.

The lead actor gives a powerful performance as Thomas, capturing the character's unraveling with quiet intensity.

The direction is sharp, high-quality production, amazing scoring, the pacing tight, and every moment feels deliberate.

Though it's short, the film says a lot in a short amount of time and leaves a lasting emotional impact.

A must-watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.

Wow, "Thirteen" packs a serious punch! Tom Bezani absolutely owns the screen as a guy driving home whose world flips upside down after one creepy phone call. The setup is so simple yet genius - a single call in his car spirals into this intense, nerve-wracking ride that keeps you guessing. Bezani's performance is pure gold, he goes from cool and collected to barely holding it together with just a look or a tense grip on the wheel, making every second feel like a ticking bomb. The story's twists and vague vibes are super intriguing, leaving you to wrestle with what's really going on. Watch it on Omeleto!

In essence, "THIRTEEN" is a cinematic gem that showcases the power of independent filmmaking. It's a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, urging viewers to contemplate the moral compass of our society. The film's ability to turn a simple concept into a profound experience is a testament to the vision and dedication of its creators.

The actors deliver powerful performances, with the lead actor portraying a range of emotions that make the audience empathize with his predicament. The supporting cast, though limited in screen time, provides solid performances that bolster the lead's portrayal.

The film's sound design deserves a special mention. The use of diegetic sounds, particularly the ring of incoming calls and dialing, all adds a layer of realism to the narrative. The sounds become a character itself, signaling the twists and turns in the plot and effectively contributing to the building suspense.

It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates short films that challenge the status quo and offer a mirror to the complexities of human nature.

To sum it up: It's a compelling story that resonates with our times, making it a relevant and impactful piece of art.