7 Minutes is the newest short film from writer/director Neill Morris. The film is about a girl named Anabel who since childhood has been suffering from nightmares featuring a disturbing man. While reviewing some pictures she had taken out in the woods, Anabel notices a strange figure in the background of one of the photos. As she takes a closer look at the pictures, she receives an unexpected visitor to her home.
Short films often times tend to not be the best route to convey a story with a lot of depth or character development. This is particularly true when you have an independent filmmaker working with virtually no money and a super tiny crew, as I believe Morris did here. As a result you typically get a story that is a little more simple and basic, which is what we have here with 7 Minutes.
This is in no way a knock on the film. 7 Minutes succeeds.
The success of 7 Minutes comes from the mood and atmosphere Morris is able to create. The film, in my opinion, heavily relies on this and uses it well. The tone is very grim and dark. The music is nicely done and helps underscore the somber vibes and impending dread. The tension builds at a nice pace.
Whether the pay off at the end really works for me, I’m not sure yet. I get the intent but I think I was expecting something a little different.
Neill Morris has talent and is certainly a filmmaker I want to keep my eye on. I think with more time, a bigger budget and crew, and a meatier script, Morris will give us something we can sink our teeth into and really enjoy.
Check out 7 Minutes below for yourself. Let us know what you think.
written by Christopher Coffel
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