SYNOPSIS:
When Emily’s boyfriend abandons her in the night, her only way home is through an alleyway where she is terrorised by the mysterious entity Alfred J Hemlock.

In a darkened alley, Emily (Renaye Loryman) and her jerk of a boyfriend (Christian Charisiou) are in a heated fight. Verbally abusive and cruel, her supposed lover leaves her alone, sobbing. She collapses in despair and wish that her life were over. Out of the darkness, Alfred arrives.

Alfred J. Hemlock (Tristan McKinnon) is his name and death is his game. A sort of swaggering mix of Captain Jack Sparrow and Mr. Dark, Hemlock offers death as a means out of Emily’s depressing moment. After convincing her of his supernatural abilities the very real possibility that this could be the end sinks in and the chase is on.

For a 14 minute short, this is an exceptionally produced piece. Fantastical, perhaps a little goofier than it should be, Alfred J. Hemlock looks and feels like a feature. The special effects are top-notch and pristine, again on par with big screen offerings. They are also used just enough to make the point, which on occasion is a big point to make.

Entertaining, creepy, and undeniably fun, Alfred J. Hemlock gets most everything perfectly right. Had I one complaint I would have dialed back the silliness of Hemlock just a bit. When he gets to “creepy aggressor” mode it’s on. He just has a little too much playfulness for me to take him so seriously. Such a small qualm, but one that, if addressed could create a new horror icon. A creeper that knows your history, knows your despair, and can offer a way out at your weakest moments in life.

How does the film end? You can see it this weekend at the Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles ant the world famous TCL Chinese Theater.