Testimonial on technology’s traumatic takeover of society entices an active tenacious survivalist to take matters into his tremendous mitts by trapping and terrorizing his victim strategically as tension mounts in his telltale heart to implement tortuous torment.

Swamp Crow was the third entry for the Horror-Rama Film Festival. The Canadian short film starts with a girl who is home alone on a video chat talking about a phone app she created and how wildly successful it had become. Soon after, she sees a light go out upstairs and she gets a cryptic message about the legend of the Swamp Crow on her phone. Next thing she knows she’s being chased by a mysterious masked stranger around her house so she hides as he looks for her but is knocked unconscious. She wakes up tied up being told she must be punished for what she did. How will she get out of this predicament alive?

Directed by Jeff Schellenberg, he uses tracking shots for what is essentially a drawn-out suspenseful chase sequence with a satisfying conclusion. The use of light and shadow gives the house a creepy atmosphere. The classic bait-and-switch method is used effectively so the killer isn’t shown fully until near the finale which plays on the fear of the unknown. The costume design of the titular killer has an unkempt, makeshift feel as if it was someone living off the grid in the wilderness for a long time. It’s a very scary look for an interesting character I’d like to know more about.

Overall, what sold me on this short film was the atmosphere of the setting and the realistic scenario to ramp up the scares. An ordinary house is turned into a nightmare factory. Touching on themes of home invasion, the detrimental effects of technology on society, and fear of the unknown, this plays out like a strong introduction to a fascinating slasher flick. There isn’t much of a plot beyond that but it’s functional, relatable, and accessible for even the casual horror fans. It reminds me of Candyman, Friday the 13th, and Urban Legends. I’d recommend it for those reasons. And remember, put your tech down before it’s too late and you’ll be using it nevermore.

Grade: 8/10