Short horror films are a tricky format in that they have to deliver a sense of dread or deliver an expected scare with little time. Writer-director Cody Mobley‘s CIMIM delivers all of this in a mere 5 minutes along with suspense and solid craftsmanship. The single setting short opens on a group of friends sitting around a campfire having wine, getting drunk, and just living life. That is until Mallory (Laura Jenkins) offers some edibles and heads to her truck to get them. The Serlingeque surprise she finds upon return to the fire sends the night into chaos and a fight for survival.

Mobley‘s script is relatively simple in regard to action. This wise decision allows him and his team to deliver some finely polished work that serves to build up the tension in a limited runtime. The entire film takes place at night, and Cinematographer Eric Payne handles the delicate balance of lighting well. That’s not to mention the more suspenseful moments that are given adequately intense framing. There isn’t much to mine from the performances in a matter of 5 minutes but the cast does well. Along with Jenkins, we have Grant (Darian Michael Garey), Nevin (Mike Duff), Duke (Daniel Kohl), and Lindsey (Heather Ludwig) each of whom brings engaging characters to life.

Still, this is  Mobley‘s baby and he exhibits a clear talent. When the edibles hit the fan, so to speak, we get a nice jolt with some unnerving scares too. Catch CIMIM at any number of the festivals that are smart enough to program it. It’s the perfect little nugget of mind-bending horror that will leave you with a pleasant sense of dread.

7 Out of 10