Online dating is a mixed bag at best. In the new, ingeniously-produced short film Unusual Attachment, writer-director Michael Varrati gives us a biting, at times hilarious, and ultimately creepy look online romance. The short opens with Hunter (Ben Baur), a forlorn romantic, passing up plans to go hang with his friend (Francisco Chacin), to hopefully find a random online connection. Hopping onto “Man Bingo” Ben settles in for a normal night in front of the computer searching for the nice, random guy he actually had a connection with.

Francisco Chacin (left), Ben Baur (right)

Conceived, shot and produced during California’s stay at home order, Varrati and his cast of talented characters are shown video chat style. It’s a clever workaround that truly serves the story rather than stick out like an unnecessary device. Hunter hops on to his site and soon a parade of characters flash across his screen including  Danny Plotner (HBO’s Euphoria) as a pushy Cam boy, Peter Stickles (Shortbus) as a gritty creeper, Charles Chudabala (The Gallows Act II), Navaris Darson (The Other Two), and Sean Doherty (The Lightning Thief – First International Tour). The stand out for this reviewer, however, was drag performer Meredeath (San Francisco’s Stereo Argento) whose feed consisted of her ignoring possible flings in favor of getting ready for a performance. That’s not all. There’s even a hilarious cameo by horror icon Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp).

When the other shoe drops and things get dark, it’s interesting to see how deftly the tone changes and how well it works. Staying clear of any spoilers, I will say that it’s worth the build up. Unusual Attachment is an interesting piece of work in that creativity, to paraphrase Dr. Ian Malcom, found a way. It’s also a way that feels entirely natural.

With a number of fun queer-themed horror shorts Varrati and his June Gloom Productions has carved out quite an impressive collection of work catering to the horror community. Unusual Attachment is definitely worth the download.