On the surface, writer-director Christian ‘Kang’ Bachini’s gorefest short ESCALATION is just that. Co-written by Charlie Cooper this is the story of a self-absorbed sociopath gloating in his safety and wealth as the world falls apart around him. Yet there is obviously more to it. as the short goes on our only character in the film, Chris, experiences a visceral betrayal that literally tears him to pieces. ESCALATION is a nasty little horror short that is marvelous to watch, heavy on the cringe-inducing gore, and wonderfully produced. The short is a nice crimson-colored adrenaline shot for gore fans.

As the film opens, Chris is chatting up a friend on the phone while preparing meat for a meal and scanning what’s on TV. From the get go, Chris brags about his relative safety and wealth sequestered in his home during a pandemic to a friend on the phone. As a worldwide catastrophe swirls outside, Chris glibly pounds away at cuts of meat. Then the worm turns and Chris’ hand becomes sentient. Ignored and resisted at first, his hand grabs the nearest weapon and methodically begins to go to work on its host.

Honestly, the concept here is a simple one, constructed to highlight Bachini’s athleticism and love of gore. The writer, director, and star of the film twists bends, and contorts while attempting to fight an enemy literally attached to him.Did I mention that Bachini was also the director of photography? The camera swirls and dives around Chris as he is repeatedly attacked by his own appendage. Oh, and Bachini also edits with a merciless, rapid-fire edge that accentuates some pretty brilliant moments of tension.

Of course, this is a showcase for Bachini and in that regard, it excels. However, when trying to find an ending, the short leans on ambiguity and mystery to tie up loose ends. We don’t get the full-on climax that the short is building to but dammit, what an insane ride. Christian Bachini’s ESCALATION is a zany, blood-soaked short that highlights the talent of an up-and-coming filmmaker that happens to love gore and acrobatics.

7 out of 10