Gray Matter

This short film really nails the spirit of the King short story. Loved the gooey practical effects! The actors all do a good job at selling the fear and paranoia as well. Check it out!!

Based on a Stephen King story, this short film is filled with impressive natural effects. But what is most significant is the emotional atmosphere that director Red Clark creates. He and his believable cast, including a great Larry Fessenden and esteemed Chicago theater actor Aaron Christensen, honestly capture the rhythms of rural life and its grizzled inhabitants. Everyone who grew up, awestruck and outcast, in such circumstances will find a piece of their past magnified, wisely, onscreen for them here.

Red Clark's take on Stephen King's eerie short tale is an effective old school, practical effects driven monster romp. It feels like a love letter to nutso horror films from the 80's, but never falls into kitschy "retro vibe" territory. It's very reminiscent of Stuart Gordon's early work with gooey gore and a fantastic, intense score. It's campy but takes itself and the craft seriously. Highly recommend for anyone with a taste for gooey gore or atmospheric style. Seek it out genre fans.

I organized 5 dollar babies film festivals since 2006, watched nearly 140 different adaptations of short stories written by Stephen King and GRAY MATTER is among my favorites. The production, atmosphere, performances, rhythm and FXs are perfect. It's not easy to sustain that in a short film during it's lenght (30 minutes) but I only noticed the time passed once the credits rolled out.

If you don't watch the time during a film, then it means it's really good, and Gray Matter is.

This short was a total surprise that checked off all the right boxes and provided all the nostalgic feels from the horror movies I've loved since I was a kid. I was overtaken by not only the visuals and practical effects, but the incredible attention to detail and a trove of Easter eggs throughout. It's an excellent adaptation with Larry Fessenden front and center being the gem of a character actor that he is. Shorts are a special art form all within itself with the horror genre and this one nails it deserving high praise and repeat viewings.