Something (3/5)

Something is a low-budget horror movie that works really well within its concept. The characters are engaging and portrayed very convincingly by its stars. Also, the story will probably be eerily relatable to many. Fair warning: Don’t watch this if you’re expecting or have a baby in the house.

Something is the very vague title of a new low-budget horror movie. And while the title may be vague, it’s also absolutely perfect to explain what our main characters are experiencing. Because “something” sure is wrong. It’s just very hard to figure out what it is!

This is a movie that works really well within its concept and budget. It’s all about building a feeling of paranoia and doubt which I’m sure many new parents can relate to.

This is also why I think you should consider long and hard before watching this particular horror movie. If you’re expecting or have a baby in the house, I would probably wait a while before watching this. Unless you’re not easily scared, of course.

Perfectly realistic portrayal

The characters in Something are wonderfully realistic in many ways. A man and a woman (we never get their names) have a new baby in the house and are struggling to get enough sleep. They’re also struggling with a very basic fear of being able to care for the small child.

Everything does seem to be going pretty well, but strange things are happening in the house. And both the man and woman experience things on separate occasions, so they can agree that something is wrong.

Whether it’s an intruder, interference on the baby monitor or something supernatural, is the only real question. The characters are portrayed by Michael Gazin and Jane Rowan, who deliver engaging and realistic portrayals of the new parents. 

At one point, it reminded me a bit of Still/Born which I really liked, but Something is an entirely different kind of horror movie.

Also read: Our review of Still/Born >

There’s something about Occam’s razor

The principle of “Occam’s Razor” is mentioned more than once, so you get the idea that this must have some importance. And it absolutely does!

Occam’s Razor is the theory that states “the simple solution is probably the right one”. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but the idea that you don’t need some elaborate explanation is spot-on for the story in this low-budget horror.

The answer is still unknown as you watch the movie, but before Something is over, you will get the answer. You can guess along as much as you want. I know I did and I still didn’t figure it out. Honestly, I was probably still going off on a tangent with theories that were a bit too complex.

I’m sure some people will figure out the mystery before it’s revealed. But I must admit I did find it pretty damn intelligent in its simplicity. And yet, I do also feel like I was missing just a few pieces of the puzzle. I could defend these minor pieces of the plot to myself though, so it still works.

A strong debut from Stephen Portland

Something was written and directed by first-time filmmaker Stephen Portland. I know IMDb is not the definitive source, but it’s rare that a writer-director has absolutely nothing else on their IMDb profile. I hope this means the movie is simply a very solid and convincing debut.

The alternative is a Quinn Lasher sort of situation. Read more about the mysterious director Quinn Lasher here >

Don’t worry though, Stephen Portland is indeed very real. He’s a British writer and director, who’s just getting started as a filmaker in Los Angeles. 

Something has already played at various film festivals. The low-budget horror movie has even been both nominated and awarded at some of these film festivals. Hopefully, we’ll see more from Stephen Portland soon.

In the meantime, check out this little horror mystery with a baby at the heart of it all.

Something will be out in a limited theatrical release March 1, 2019 in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Music Hall and NYC at the Cinema Village. Also, it will be out on Digital / VOD from March 5, 2019.

Details

Director: Stephen Portland
Writer: Stephen Portland
Stars: Michael Gazin, Jane Rowen, Joel Clark Ackerman, Eric Roberts

Plot

A young couple are struggling to adjust to life with their new baby. But their situation begins to unravel further, when they suspect that a menacing stranger could be lurking, watching, even entering their home. This twisty and chilling single-location drama/horror/mystery from director Stephen Portland will keep you guessing right up until the very end.