A 12-minute anthology short film released in 2025, Il Colore della Notte, directed by Blake Vaz, draws heavily from the grand tradition of Italian horror cinema. It presents three separate yet thematically linked stories that revolve around a central figure the “Servant of the Night” Il Servo della Notte (Blake Vaz). This character is a disturbed and haunted killer, entirely consumed by the occult. He carries out ritualistic murders, sacrificing young women to a demonic entity he reverently refers to as “Maestro.” These killings are not random acts of violence but are part of his twisted mission to complete what he believes is his cinematic masterpiece one made of blood, pain, and dark devotion.

The film is a clear and loving homage to the Italian masters of horror, particularly Dario Argento, whose influence is evident in the use of saturated colors, striking red and blue lighting, and the geometric precision of the shot compositions. At the same time, the atmosphere and visual tone reflect the legacy of Mario Bava, while the raw, grotesque violence nods unmistakably to Lucio Fulci, The surreal, dreamlike quality that runs through the entire film enhanced by the editing and sound design cements this short as a passionate tribute to the genre.

The musical score, composed by David Aguilar and Blake Vaz, adds another layer of authenticity, capturing the eerie, evocative spirit of 1970s Italian horror soundtracks. From the opening minutes, the film establishes a hypnotic rhythm that pulls the viewer into its nightmarish world.

While each of the three stories has its own tone and visual identity, some segments are stronger than others in terms of credibility and execution. There are occasional narrative stumbles and moments that could have benefited from tighter direction or additional resources. However, this is clearly a passion project one that uses the framework of genre cinema to both experiment and pay homage. Despite the minimal cast, the lack of special effects, and a limited budget, the film is able to create an unsettling, immersive experience.

Blake Vaz has crafted a short that, while imperfect, is rich in atmosphere and vision. It’s a compelling piece that could easily serve as inspiration for future, more expansive projects, and a must-watch for fans of cult Italian horror.