Shant Hamassian’s new short film, “Night of the Slasher” is a real treat for scary movie fanatics! It takes all the horror movie cliches and uses them to empower the female protagonist and let her take control of her own fate.

And it’s terrific fun, too.

Lily Berlina stars as Jenelle, a young woman who is dancing half-naked in her home when we first see her. But there is a reason behind this, and it just might save her life.

She has a list of “horror movie sins” that she checks off during the course of the evening as she accomplishes them. What will happen when she finishes the list? Well, the killer shows up, of course.

The fact that the killer wears a Mr. Spock mask is slyly delightful, and shows that we are in the hands of an aficionado of the genre and is not afraid of letting his inner fanboy come out and play.

To say much more would spoil the fun, but suffice to say that, not only was I in a state of suspense throughout the whole thing, I also chuckled out loud at the killer’s physics-defying way he had of disappearing and reappearing over and over.

In competition for Oscar® consideration, this short film is making those in the horror and film communities sit up and take notice. The short film is making the rounds on the festival circuit right now, and we recommend that you jump at the chance to see this fun flick. It holds up after multiple viewings, and I think you’ll like it too! Uncle Mike sez: check it out.