After being dumped by her boyfriend, a sorority girl goes in search of a mythical book of spells so she can become eternally beautiful in the short campy horror The Green Ribbon.
Heather Turman’s short film, “The Green Ribbon,” unfolds a narrative rooted in unfamiliar folklore, providing a fresh take on modern myths in the horror genre. While the story may not be widely recognized, akin to the late ’90s slasher “Urban Legend,” the film introduces audiences to the enigmatic legend of “The Green Ribbon.”
From the initial frames, it becomes evident that the production team has invested considerable effort in crafting a humorous, campy, and professionally executed horror experience. The story centers around Brittany (Charlie R Parker), a character engrossed in preparing for a date with her boyfriend Blake. However, the tone takes a sharp turn when Blake informs her of meeting someone else, leading to a breakup over the phone.
Following a moment of sorrow, Brittany finds solace in her friend MJ (Alexia Marza), an English girl well-versed in the tale of Jane – a girl born with a facial birthmark who, seeking beauty through a spellbook, inadvertently turns into a decapitating entity. Motivated by Brittany’s desire to reclaim her status as the most popular girl in college, the duo embarks on a quest to an abandoned house, rumored to be Jane’s former residence, in pursuit of the mystical book that promises eternal beauty.
Despite a modest budget of $20,000, “The Green Ribbon” remarkably exhibits high production values. The short impresses with its consistent visual appeal, thanks to the stellar cinematography by Brendan J. Boyle. Boyle’s adept use of camera angles and lighting complements the narrative seamlessly. The inclusion of well-crafted visual effects, such as birthmarks disappearing and scars materializing, adds another layer of sophistication to the production, especially the convincingly executed scenes of heads being severed and reattached.
The performances of Marza and Parker contribute significantly to the film’s success, infusing it with both charm and amusement. Charlie R Parker adeptly portrays Brittany, a character with inherently unlikable traits like self-centeredness and egotism. However, Parker’s portrayal transforms Brittany into a lovable goofball, evoking empathy and a desire to see her succeed despite her flaws.
“The Green Ribbon” prompts reflection on the scarcity of comedy-horror films in contemporary cinema. While classics like “The Evil Dead 2” and “Tucker & Dale vs. Evil” exist, Heather Turman’s foray into the genre suggests a potential resurgence. The film’s enjoyable blend of humor and horror sparks optimism for Turman’s future endeavors, possibly paving the way for a feature-length production. With recent expressions of interest in an R-rated Scooby-Doo by Matthew Lillard, Turman’s adeptness at crafting entertaining films might position her as a suitable candidate for such ventures.
You can now watch the short on YouTube by clicking HERE
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