In the digital age, we’ve reached a level of voyeurism that at times can cross the boundaries of morality. This exists most disturbingly within the dark web, where troubling content can be found for anyone to view. The Queue, a short film written and directed by Michael Rich, examines the depths of the depravity of humans, both those who carry out atrocities, and those who desire to view it.

Burt Bulos plays Cole, who has his first overnight shift as an internet content moderator. After warnings from his boss about the heinous videos he’s to be subjected to, Cole sets to work deleting and managing those that have been flagged. As the night wears on, the material that Cole comes across begins to increase in intensity, blurring the lines between what’s safe for others, and for him.

Rich manages to deliver a truly unsettling social commentary, with a taught and complete storyline, all within an 11 minute run time. The rise and fall of tension works perfectly as we, ourselves, watch what happens with Cole over the course of the night. Bulos expertly plays the role of someone who goes through an array of emotions with frightful precision. 

The Queue packs a punch within its short timeframe, and will leave you shaken and contemplating what humanity is capable of under deplorable circumstances.

9 Out of 10