By Dana Berry
Inner Demons is a short film by Jasmine J. Johnson about the manifestation of a depressed, young black woman’s inner demon and the ensuing battle.
Mya’s mental state has deteriorated to the point where her reflection is mocking her and daring her to take her pills. A last minute call from her friend Noa can’t keep Mya from taking the plunge and swallowing a handful of Proelium (a word cleverly meaning “battle or combat”). This unleashes Mya’s inner demon, physically manifesting in the form of her frightfully featureless doppelganger. They fight and Mya must hurt herself to hurt her demon.
The opening shot reveals a featureless Mya sweeping. A creepy beginning and a message about the numbing, expressionless state of deep depression. When we see her actual expression, it is a split personality partially reflected in a mirror. The imagery is powerful and aided by the fantastic acting of Ariel Brown, who through physical expression only portrays a deeply troubled person.
The film is shot so that a normal young woman’s apartment appears as bleak and desolate as the young woman’s mind. Through moving camera shots, odd angles, close-ups and some well placed blur efx, the atmosphere is tense and surreal. The special effects are good with one very memorable shot. Unfortunately that shot is needlessly followed by one that shows the limitations of the digital effects and seems put in just for the jump scare.
The messaging on anti-depressants is a little lost as Mya overdoses on them which makes it unclear whether the filmmaker believes they are a negative or positive force. But what is more important is the messaging on the stress a young black woman endures to appear strong. It is hard enough just to endure. The message is beautifully and effectively wrapped up during the end credits as Noa’s phone message lets Mya know how she coped and what we all need to do – talk to each other.
Inner Demons is screening as part of the 2024 SXSW Midnighters shorts programme.
Bloody Flicks 