Rejected

Making a solid horror-comedy isn't easy. Some might argue it is the hardest genre pairing to create since both the feelings of laughter and fear are so subjective. While there are some universal fears and jokes, many horror comedies fall victim to being more of one than the other, even some of the best! Not to be turned away by a challenge, writer, and director Rene Rivas has found a happy medium between the two in his newest short horror film, "Rejected". "Rejected" capitalizes on the zeitgeist by firmly planting itself in the 90s through slick editing and production design while also demonstrating just how silly some of the tech we used to see as "cutting edge" actually is. All the while, Rivas maintains a firm footing in the world of horror making this anthology highly entertaining and innovative.

The concept of "Rejected" is delightful in its simplicity. A series of rejected commercials for a new defunct camera made by the fictitious Sonu corporation each demonstrate how the camera could be used, but with some diabolical endings ensuing. Although there are only three commercials, four if you include the wrap-around with Bob Dergns and Sharron Nelson, each feels wholly contained as a singular narrative. Each one is a different flavor of sub-genre presented on screen to suggest the horrific ways in which the Sonu Mavico is implicated in the terrible situations it is meant to "capture" the moment. While we won't go into spoilers, it is safe to say that there is something for everyone's taste in the segments contained within "Rejected". While all the stories are punctuated by horror, they all have some level of humor ranging from the broad to the very niche and direct. What makes "Rejected" work so well is that the humor doesn't feel forced is germane to the situation and pivots accordingly based on the context of the segment. Suffice it to say what you find funny in the second segment isn't the same in the third segment yet they both work well concerning their segment. It is perhaps what most horror comedies miss most about the assignment, using the right kind of humor with a certain kind of horror to get the best possible reaction.

The strength of "Rejected" goes beyond the efficient storytelling and editing and extends into the production design. It can be a faux pas these days to use digital to make your film look more analog, and with "Rejected" Rivas has found interesting and effective ways of immersing the viewer in the period the film encapsulates. From the fashion to the ambient noises of old Macintosh computers, everything is accounted for with impeccable attention to detail. The same can be said of the use of practical effects which showcase not just how much can be done on a small budget, but also a testament to the ingenuity of independent filmmaking to curate gore and effects as good or better than some of their studio peers. "Rejected" doesn't hold back from getting gross, but also doesn't skimp on quality so you aren't taken out of the moment due to bad or lazy use of effects. The slickness of the effects and strategic use of digital filler make the case that the best outcomes are ones born through using the tools available appropriately to create the best possible effect, and "Rejected" has that in spades.

REJECTED showcases a terrific blend of intricately crafted horror stories all surrounding the new in universe SONU digital camera. Each story is presented as lost media, that being footage of seemingly obscure television advertisements for the camera in question. Ones that should've never seen the light of day.

Each story is effective in its own right but it's clear that conscious effort was made to experiment and dabble in multiple genres and it is extremely endearing. There's horror, comedy, drama, action, love and of course carnage, with terrific practical effects that will make even the most hardened gorehound queasy.

Overall REJECTED is a beyond entertaining ride with no dull moments in sight. All three stories tie together in a simple yet fun way and are certain to offer something enjoyable to every horror fan no matter what subgenre suits your fancy.

In this wacky horror macabre short film, three rejected advertisements are shown that are all linked to a vintage digital camera. As each story is split into three segments the camera through out the short turns out to be a sinister. With an 90's aesthetic the film comes to life with very impressive visual and practical effects. If you love gore this is something you'll want to add to your list. As each segment gets more and more wackier, you can't turn away. The final segment is by far my favorite. Without giving to much away things take a demonic fun turn. The build up leading to the final act is brilliant and very entertaining. With this only being a short film it's packed with grotesque, nonstop action, and a high body count. This short film is currently on the film festival journey. If you get the chance don't miss a screening of this upcoming short!

This film is set in 1997, and it begins at the SONU Broadcasting Headquarters, where we are introduced to a couple of ridiculously dressed reviewers, who are discussing three SONU Mavico advertisements that have been rejected from mainstream media. With each story, we come to learn what the digital camera is capable of, and the reasons behind the banned advertisements. Then it seamlessly segways into the first segment of the film, where we see a woman taking a photograph with her 1997 digital camera, of a painting in an art gallery, and what eventuates is truly ghastly. We return back to the reviewers, who seem rather unfazed by what is going on - I like that their reactions are not what we would expect as it adds to the comedic tone. Then into the second segment, where three young people enter a forested area, and what occurs there is sure to make you slightly sickened! Awesome for that, had me sitting on the edge of my seat. We transition back to the narrators, as they delve into the third and final segment. A woman finding out her husband is cheating on her. What transpires is horrendous, to say the least. Although these are short little segments, they each seem to carry a message, about being careful of what we do, as our actions can come back to bite, the second lesson is that you are never safe in the wilderness, and the last lesson is not to mess with a woman scorned.

I can see that a lot of work went into the making of this short film, especially in terms of the makeup, costumes, prosthetics, visual effects, sound effects, physical props, cinematography, as well as the savage carnage we see playing out in each segment. I commend the team behind the film for the intricate depictions and excellent attention to details. Although there is quite a lot going on, considering the running time is only 15-minutes, I think this was well contained and delivered appropriately. It is made easy to follow along with the storyline.

The gore is top notch cringy and scary - with a twist of parody that isn't taking away the overall effect of the film. Plus, such a brilliant concept, so simple, a camera with a taste for blood! I was gripped in tension from start to finish. This is what I like about short horror films, the technicalities that go into making a short film in such a short length of time. It always excites me to see a short anthology when it is successful, like this one. I appreciate how this film interweaves the camera into each of the individual segments, almost like the camera is the antagonist character in the film. I also found the interludes where we see the video players mechanisms internal system operating, as I believe this adds texture and layering to the overall authentic feel of the film and the era the film is set in. It makes me grateful that we are no longer in those times before the technological advances we now have. I also enjoyed the 90s sitcom music; it was very nostalgic.

I have seen a lot of horror comedy films in my years as an independent horror film reviewer. From the likes of the greatest, Sir Peter Jackson, Sam Raimi, Rob Zombie and the likes. To pull off a successful film in this genre is complex and technical, especially given the short length, it can make it extremely challenging. So, it is always refreshing to see an independent filmmaker, like Rene Rivas, who can deliver what big budget films can only achieve in a feature length film - into a 15-minute time frame! This shows me that the people behind this short film are exceptionally driven and committed to ensure its success. That is essentially what I am looking for in short films like this, if they can deliver a well plotted film, that I can see the cast and crew working hard to ensure it meets its goals.

I support independent filmmakers, because they are leading the way in the horror genre, as Hollywood falls apart, and with films like this, that are unconventional and not the typical generic Hollywood horror, it is encouraging to see that although some Indie films are hit and miss, this little gem is one of the successful ones. We need to ensure Indie creators have a voice, it is imperative to the horror genre that we keep Indie filmmakers in the front, leading the horror genre into uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries when it comes to gore, and ramping it up with some comedic expositions to lighten the extremely horrific images.

If you want to see something different in the horrorsphere, this is one to watch! You won't regret it! This film will surely please all horror fans.

This short is entertaining, gory, funny, to the point and keeps you gripped. Thoroughly enjoyed. The theme of 1997 was captured perfectly, with the right amount of nostalgia. It's the attention to detail in every scene which really makes you feel the love and work that went into this film. The practical effects were not only disgustingly wonderful, but also extremely effective. Rejected has exceeded where Hollywood fails a lot of the time. From the storyline, to the effects, the passion is beautiful. It's such a refreshing film and one I can see myself returning to often. Would recommend to any horror fan who loves a bit of gore and a fun time.