Heir, Creepiness Transcends Generations

A demented retelling of the biblical tale of Abraham and Isaac? Something taboo from a Lovecraftian mind?  Or the horrific anti-Father's Day tale from an angry single mother?  No on all counts, but something more horrific.  2015's "Heir," from Fatal Pictures is an uncomfortable short horror film (14 minutes) that is making the rounds at festivals and accumulating award nominations.  With terrific acting and brilliant direction by Richard Powell, this frightening tale hooks us within seconds and then stays with us.

Paul (Matteo D'Avino) and his dad (Robert Nolan) are at the end of a most uncomfortable drive. Immediately the viewer knows that they are going somewhere that will have terrifying consequences.  An apparent loving father, our protagonist is burdened.  We soon find out why.  Paul is told they are visiting an old college friend, Dennis (Bill O'Berst,Jr.). We know that Dennis is not an old friend, but someone (...or something) more ominous.  A loving father would never harm his son....right? Our poor dad is obviously torn between the love of his son and participating in something that is ungodly.

 The uncomfortable and tense nature of this film tells us so much.  Our dad, Gordon, is only masquerading as a doting father.  In reality, he is a monster.   Instead of the protector he should be, Gordon is sacrificing his son to a pure evil fate.  The meeting with Dennis confirms all of this, as nothing about Dennis tends toward goodness. This story could be horrific if it remained in the realm of the figurative....instead the evil faced by so many children is given solid form and the slimy monsters and peril just behind the door are brought alive.

What evil, which awaits Paul, could be worse than death?  Is there any escape? A monster film, no doubt, but the scariest aspect of "Heir" is what it is a metaphor for.  Produced by Zach Green, this award winning effort should be widely seen in our society which seems to have abandoned the charge to protect all children, no matter the cost. For more information about "Heir" and other works from Fatal Pictures, click on this link Heir