Slamdance 2024 Film Festival – Writer/director Kamell Allaway’s short Shadow has the black and white creep factor of an old German Expressionist film, like Nosferatu, especially for its use, of well, shadow. It’s a highly atmospheric film that also reminded me somewhat of The Babadook, another film that was at least partially inspired by Expressionist films of the 1920s. Allaway managed to create a rather creepy 12 minutes centered on a mother and daughter.

The film stars Katy Wright-Mead as the mother, Ahtna, and Valentina Gordon as the young Elise and Christy St. John as adult Elise. The film is essentially centered on one night. The mother chases the daughter, who jams the mom’s fingers in a doorframe. From there, the mother’s shadow takes on a life of its own. At times, its form looks like the mom, while other times, a far more sinister creature. The shadow slinks and creeps along the walls, before rising and growing, looming over the terrified child. While it’s unclear what exactly the shadow is supposed to represent, maybe the daughter’s fear of her mother, maybe something else, it’s still generally effective and well-executed.

Other than the monstrous shadow, the short isn’t without some other disturbing images, including a moment where the mom bangs her head on the wooden floor again and again and again. It’s hard to discern what’s real and what’s not within the 12 minutes. Is it all just a nightmare? The viewer can decide that. This short is more concerned with mood and atmosphere, again like a German Expressionist film, more than a straightforward or logical narrative.

While some of the horror influences are quite clear here, Allaway managed to create an arresting short that’s filled with spine-chilling images. There’s very little dialogue here, again, turning the attention on the visuals, most of which are pure nightmare fuel. Overall, Shadow may be a bit short of characterization and narrative, but it’s not without plenty of hair-raising moments.

7.5 Out of 10