Opening on the California trail in 1852, The Invaders was a story that we’re told was originally conceived as something similar to The Shining.
As night falls on this travelling settlement, dark forces are watching from the shadows.
One of the young girls in the group is now having vivid dreams, which given the connection to The Shining is bad news for those around her.
The Invaders does really well at creating an unnerving atmosphere for our central protagonists which is only enhanced by their desolate surroundings.
The moment you know it’s all going to hell; is when the horses start to bolt; as we know animals smell fear far before humans and usually do a runner.
A lot of the great work here is done through subtle performances and some incredible sound design – sometimes what we don’t see can be far more horrifying.
Erin Doyle Cooper’s The Invaders is a chilling micro short that craves more exploration.
The Invaders screens as part of HollyShorts Film Festival 2023.
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