10 Horror Short Films Hollywood Should Adapt To Full Length
6. Vesuvius (Silent Terror)
A film without dialogue set in an uncomfortable, somewhat claustrophobic household in the Philippines, Vesuvius, by acclaimed Filipino horror fantasy director Erik Matti, is part atmospheric tension and part demonic intervention, with religious overtones that make Filipino horror a hidden gem.
This particular short film starts by describing how the last true miracles happened decades ago, and how any newer sightings of religious figures may be something much more sinister. This sets the stage for the short itself, in which the resentful son suddenly gets a visit from the radiant yet unsettling Virgin Mary, who whispers loud yet unintelligible words into the man's ear, encouraging him to slowly but surely commit violent acts against his mother.
An entire film in this vein would probably be taxing to watch, but it's a rare treat for a film to have more psychologically troubling elements than cheap jumpscares. Erik Matti's other horror film, Seklusyon, proves he can create frightening full-length atmospheric horror effectively.
Vesuvius, shot with lighting and a setting that makes everything look old and decrepit, as well as with deafening sound design in between silences, is sure to make for unique and disturbing Hollywood horror.