It’s always exciting to hear about new projects from directors like Yann Gonzalez, who made the superb Knife + Heart in 2018.
Hideous, is Gonzalez’s queer short horror follow-up, with a cast that includes Jimmy Sommerville, yes he of Bronski Beat and The Communards fame in the ’80s.
As can be expected, there is certain style to Gonzalez’ work, opening with a warning that we will witness a tale of debauchery amongst other things.
Initially this short plays out as a music video, as singer Oliver Sims shares his first solo single whilst overlayed with an interview appearance on a show.
Cutting away from this, we see a young boy watching this interview and seeing some of himself in Oliver, and how he is describing his childhood.
Hideous feels like it exists in a hazy, almost dream-like world, that you are not sure is reality or part of Oliver’s imagination.
As anyone who has seen Knife + Heart will know Gonzalez is not afraid to shed some blood, and once it warms up Hideous becomes a gory bloodbath.
This is a story about self-acceptance and becoming okay with a side of yourself some of society may consider to be monstrous.
Gonzalez continues to push the boundaries of linear storytelling and create stories that can speak to wider audiences.
Bloody Flicks 