In co-director and writer Philip Brocklehurst’s micro-short horror film Forsaken, a young man is haunted by a forsaken soul. Here is our review of Philip and his brother Malcolm’s film.
Sleep paralysis is a fascinating and often frightening phenomenon that occurs during the transition between sleep and wakefulness. During an episode, a person is conscious but unable to move their body or speak. This can be extremely distressing, especially when accompanied by hallucinations. Sleep paralysis is caused by a temporary disruption in the REM sleep cycle, where the brain normally paralyzes the body’s muscles to prevent acting out dreams leading to a feeling of helplessness. While it can be unsettling, sleep paralysis is generally harmless and often resolves on its own.
Philip Brocklehurst has produced his own idea on sleep paralysis with his latest production Forsaken, a micro short horror film. Brocklehurst is arguably one of the most prolific independent filmmakers on the scene, with a work rate second to none. He has written and directed so many films over the years, a lot of them we have reviewed on this very website, that I’m surprised he has time to do anything else. Forsaken is his new one, a haunting film that delves into the depths of the human subconscious while we sleep. At 90 seconds long it doesn’t give itself much time to leave an impact but thanks to some smart writing and Brocklehurst’s direction we are provided with a memorable if somewhat fleeting experience.
Set during one late night when a young man struggling to cope with the psychological trauma of his experiences is trying to sleep. Forsaken gives us an individual haunted by nightmares and hallucinations, we are left to wonder if this is a descent into madness or just a dream leaving the viewer both confused and sympathetic to our main protagonist.
The film’s narrative is intentionally unclear, leaving viewers to question the boundaries between reality and illusion. The protagonists’ experiences are often surreal and disturbing, blurring the lines between the physical and the psychological. The best aspect of Forsaken is its use of special effects on a budget, the nightmare is memorable, and the film’s antagonist is an unsettling presence.
Brocklehurst’s use of lighting (or lack of) is particularly effective in creating a sense of unease and suspense. The film often uses darkness and shadows creating a sense of claustrophobia and isolation, reflecting our dreamer’s inner turmoil. The cinematography and lighting play a crucial role in creating the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The use of shadows, distorted perspectives, and unusual camera angles disorient the viewer, mirroring the dreamer’s own confusion and disorientation. The sound, as well, is crucial to the effect. One of Brocklehurst’s best films, Forsaken is certainly one short movie through which you won’t sleep.
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