A couple inadvertently release an evil spirit whilst searching for fossils in James Dubbeldam’s short horror thriller Before I Call You Mother.
In November, Screen Critix had the esteemed opportunity to review four of James Dubbeldam’s cinematic endeavours: “LIFE Happens,” “Life’s Design,” “Your Worst Enemy,” and “I Am _______.” Now, a mere three months later, we are presented with his latest short film, “Before I Call You Mother.” While Dubbeldam’s prior works predominantly leaned toward drama with subtle undertones of science fiction, his newest creation delves into the realm of the paranormal.
The film commences with a breathtaking shot—a wide-angle view of a serene beach. The camera pans left, revealing a man engrossed in digging while his wife looks on from behind. A slow zoom toward the couple ensues, evoking reminiscent vibes of 70’s horror or the more contemporary “It Follows.” This initial shot sets a captivating tone for the narrative. Subsequently, we accompany the couple on their car journey home, during which they engage in dialogue about Steve’s relentless pursuit of fossils for financial gain and their ongoing attempts to conceive a child, all while encountering eerie occurrences along the way.
Upon nearing their residence, Steve (Steve Froehlich) abruptly halts the car upon glimpsing the reflection of a girl seated in the back seat via the rear-view mirror. Upon arriving home, the unsettling events escalate—Steve experiences physical illness, car doors autonomously open, and sand inexplicably appears in the back seat, punctuated by sporadic jump scares. Faced with the escalating supernatural phenomena, Samantha (Megan Castle) seeks counsel from her knowledgeable mother, delving into the paranormal world for answers.
Given the constraints of a brief runtime, the dialogue understandably serves as a vehicle for exposition, providing essential context for viewers. While heavy-handed exposition isn’t typically favored, it’s a pragmatic necessity in succinct formats where visual storytelling alone may fall short. Despite this, the lore underlying “Before I Call You Mother” possesses substantial potential, hinting at a narrative ripe for expansion into a full-length feature—a sentiment particularly resonant with horror aficionados, reminiscent of modern classics such as “The Ring.”
Dubbeldam adeptly cultivates an atmosphere of dread, keeping audiences on edge with unpredictability. Noteworthy is a pivotal scene where Steve hastily rushes to the restroom, briefly crossing paths with the spectral presence—a moment that, while effectively executed, could have heightened impact sans accompanying music, instead punctuated by a sudden, thunderous sound akin to the memorable scare in “The Exorcist 3” when the nurse suddenly appears from a door in the corridor.
In “Before I Call You Mother,” James Dubbeldam reaffirms his versatility as a filmmaker capable of crafting compelling narratives across genres. As the curtains close on this short film, one can’t help but anticipate the possibility of a feature-length adaptation, eagerly awaiting the further exploration of this chilling tale.
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