I miss the days when horror movies were just plain fun. Lately, it feels like every horror film I watch needs to pile on trauma and misery to be taken seriously. That’s why Craig Blair’s short film, The Trunk, caught me completely by surprise. It’s currently making waves on the festival circuit, and for good reason. Mixing Quentin Tarantino’s flair with a Sam Raimi twist and a Judd Apatow sprinkle of humor, The Trunk might not reinvent the genre, but it sure as hell is one wild, high-octane ride.
The story kicks off with Mitchell (played by Lamorne Morris of Fargo and Ghosts fame) speeding down a sun-scorched, desolate desert road. His best friend, Steve (Kyle Shevrin), sits nervously in the passenger seat. Beneath them lies a leather-bound Book of the Dead. Behind them, in the trunk of their battered ’77 Lincoln Town Car? Well, something very unsettling. The tagline says it best: “In the desert, only your best friend can hear you scream.” What’s in the trunk and how they got to this point? I won’t ruin the fun, because half the thrill here is unraveling their predicament.
At just 12 minutes, The Trunk manages to do what so many full-length features fail to accomplish. It hooks you with tightly-wound storytelling and fleshed-out characters, leaving you desperate for more. Morris and Shevrin carry the film beautifully, riffing off each other with the kind of chemistry you’d expect from two friends who’ve been through hell together. Their banter feels authentic, even in the most chaotic moments, and it keeps things grounded amidst the madness.
The devil, though, is in the details. Craig Blair co-wrote the sharp script based off a short story written by Blair with cinematographer John Orphan, and together they’ve crafted a tense yet darkly comedic gem. Thanks to Orphan’s lens, we’re treated to a dusty, sun-drenched desert setting that glows with grainy, 1970’s-era grit. Production Designer and Creature Designer Dane Hallett (Furiosa, Alien Romulus) brings the horror to life with a monster that’s refreshingly creepy, steering clear of the tired “demon from hell” trope. It’s an original design that lingers in your mind for all the right reasons. Production companies were: 4 Brothers Pictures, Idea Garage, Oscar WInning Odd Studio SFX Make-up studio and Valkyr.
Special mention must go to the film’s pacing. Blair’s direction ensures not a single second is wasted, cranking the tension all the way up. There’s one expertly-crafted jump scare that managed to catch even a hardened horror fan like me off guard. For a moment, I felt like a kid watching my first scary movie again.
Backed by Ronald “Jukebox” Jackson’s dynamic score and Fiona Hardingham and Jeremy Heslup’s deft production work through Valkyr Productions, The Trunk is a team effort that delivers on all fronts. Even the behind-the-scenes photography by Sally Montana adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the project’s appeal.
Simply put, The Trunk is a reminder of what horror can be when it steps away from heavy-handed misery. It’s fun, clever, and chaotic in the best ways, making its short runtime feel all too brief. If you have the chance to catch a screening, don’t miss it. It’s the type of film that leaves you gripping the edge of your seat, laughing, jumping, and most importantly, wanting more.