Play Nice directed by Samual Dawes

FANTASY · THRILLER
Directed by Samual Dawes
11 min. Scripted Short – UK

If you love your fantasy with a sharp edge and a dose of twisted humor, Play Nice is one short film you don’t want to miss. Directed by Samual Dawes, this clever and creepy fantasy thriller takes an ordinary night of gaming and turns it into a surreal nightmare filled with unexpected tension and dark laughs.

Mel is ready to enjoy her night alone, gaming without distractions. But when her children’s toys decide they’ve been ignored for too long, her evening takes a terrifying turn. These aren’t your average playthings—they’re alive, demanding attention, and far more sinister than they appear.

The tone of Play Nice balances suspense and absurdity perfectly. The production design, lighting, and effects work together to create a playful yet eerie atmosphere that feels like a mix of Toy Story and Black Mirror. It’s both bizarre and brilliant—one of those short films that lingers long after it ends.

My Take: Worth The Watch
Play Nice is a wickedly fun and well-crafted short that proves how much story and emotion can fit into just 11 minutes. It’s a must-watch for fans of fantasy thrillers, dark comedies, and psychological horror shorts.

Film Description:
Mel makes the most of her free house by getting down to some serious gaming, but is interrupted by her children’s toys when they decide they aren’t getting enough attention. However, she quickly realizes they’re not quite so fun to play with...

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: imdb.com/name/nm3602796

Hashtags

#PlayNiceShortFilm #FantasyThriller #SamualDawes #UKShortFilm #IndieShortFilm #DarkComedy #FantasyHorror #PsychologicalThriller #WorthTheWatch #ShortFilmReview #IndieFilmSpotlight #CreepyToys #HorrorShort #FantasyCinema #ShortFilmFans

Artemis directed by Jack Warren

FANTASY · QUEER COMEDY · STUDENT FILM
Directed by Jack Warren
12 min. Scripted Short – USA

Artemis is a delightful and deeply human fantasy queer comedy short film that uses the playful world of live-action roleplay (LARPing) as a backdrop for something much more meaningful—self-discovery and identity.

Hayes, the film’s protagonist, feels out of step with his sword-swinging, armor-wearing friends. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a sparkling blue dress that sets him on a journey that’s part fantasy quest, part emotional awakening. What begins as a game of pretend transforms into a heartfelt exploration of gender identity and authenticity.

Director Jack Warren captures this transformation beautifully, blending humor, warmth, and fantasy into a student short that feels professional in every sense. The costumes, performances, and tone balance whimsical fun with genuine emotional weight.

For fans of queer cinema, indie fantasy storytelling, and coming-of-age narratives, Artemis hits all the right notes. It’s funny, tender, and visually striking—a perfect example of how student films can tell powerful, personal stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.

My Take: Worth The Watch
Artemis shines as a heartfelt, inclusive short film that celebrates individuality and courage. It’s both a hilarious romp through fantasy and a sincere exploration of what it means to find yourself.

Film Description:
Hayes struggles to fit in with his sword-swinging, live action roleplaying friends, but his discovery of a sparkling blue dress transforms a game of pretend into a journey of gender discovery.

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: hellojackwarren.com

Hashtags

#ArtemisShortFilm #QueerCinema #FantasyComedy #StudentFilm #IndieShortFilm #LARPCommunity #GenderDiscovery #InclusiveStorytelling #WorthTheWatch #JackWarren #ShortFilmReview #FantasyShort #QueerRepresentation #IndieFilmSpotlight #ComingOfAgeShort

Blocks Directed by Bridget Moloney

Blocks

COMEDY SHORT FILM
Directed by Bridget Moloney
12 min. Scripted Short – USA

Blocks is a witty and surreal comedy short film that embraces the absurd with confidence. Directed by Bridget Moloney, this quirky indie short balances humor with originality, turning a strange concept into a hilarious and engaging piece of filmmaking.

The film follows a woman whose reality is disrupted by an unexplained and surreal phenomenon. What makes Blocks shine is its refusal to explain the central oddity, instead leaning into absurdist comedy and allowing the audience to interpret, laugh, and wonder.

With crisp visuals, strong design, and natural performances, Blocks feels polished and professional, all while maintaining the playful strangeness of indie surreal comedy.

My Take: Worth The Watch
Blocks is a worth-the-watch indie comedy short that stands out with its originality and quirky style. Fans of surreal comedies and indie shorts will find this both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Film Description:
Blocks tells the story of a woman who begins experiencing a bizarre, unexplained phenomenon that completely disrupts her everyday life.

Hashtags

#BlocksShortFilm #BridgetMoloney #ComedyShortFilm #IndieShortFilm #SurrealComedy #QuirkyComedy #ShortFilmReview #WorthTheWatch #IndieFilmCommunity #ComedyFilmShort #SurrealistFilm #IndieComedyShort #FilmFestivalShort

The Voice In Your Head Directed by Graham Parks

The Voice In Your Head

COMEDY SHORT FILM
Directed by Graham Parkes
14 min. Scripted Short – USA

I recently watched The Voice In Your Head, a surreal comedy short film directed by Graham Parkes, and it had me laughing from start to finish. Much like Basic, this is one of those shorts you simply have to see—I won’t spoil a moment of it. What makes this film stand out is its ability to balance absurd comedy with sharp writing, turning an everyday office setting into a hilarious, unsettling, and unforgettable experience.

A Surreal Comedy with Bite

The film follows an office worker, played by Lewis Pullman, who has resigned himself to spending every waking hour tortured by the negative voice in his head. Just when it seems unbearable, a concerned coworker (Mat Wright) decides to step in, leading to a surreal chain of events. With its sharp timing, clever dialogue, and offbeat humor, The Voice In Your Head highlights Graham Parkes’ talent for creating dark comedy shorts that leave a lasting impression.

Festival Recognition and Awards

The Voice In Your Head premiered at the SXSW 2020 Film Festival as an official selection. It went on to win “Best Comedy” and the Jury Award for Best Short in Short of the Week’s Short Awards in 2020. These accolades underscore the film’s blend of originality, humor, and cinematic craft.

My Take: Must Watch

For fans of indie short films, surreal storytelling, or award-winning comedy, The Voice In Your Head is a must-see. Its combination of sharp performances, inventive writing, and absurd yet relatable humor make it one of the most memorable short comedy films of recent years.

Film Description

A surreal comedy about an office worker who has resigned himself to spending every waking hour tortured by the negative voice in his head—until a concerned coworker decides to take action.

Written and Directed by: Graham Parkes
Starring: Lewis Pullman & Mat Wright

Suggested Hashtags

#TheVoiceInYourHead #GrahamParkes #LewisPullman #MatWright #ComedyShortFilm #SurrealComedy #SXSW2020 #IndieShortFilm #AwardWinningShort #BestComedyShort #DarkComedyShort #FilmFestivalShort #ShortOfTheWeek #MustWatchShort #ShortFilmReview

CLICK TO WATCH

FOLLOW THE FILMMAKER: Instagram at grhmparkes