“Best Thriller”

“Best Actor”

“Best Actress”

★★★★★

“It’s a film that will get your heart racing and have you on the edge of your seat!”

Steffi finds herself in a dark cellar. The door is locked and she is not alone.

We couldn’t wait to review this Thriller from director Chris Carle. It’s a film that will get your heart racing and have you on the edge of your seat! It’s also the first film we’ve awarded three separate awards to and deservingly so. This short film throws you straight into the action and you’re left wanting to know what is going on along with the lead character Steffi. Where is she and why is she holding a gun?

The production quality of the film is outstanding, the lighting and visuals are captured expertly and creates a gritty look which makes each scene pop. The location is well used with plenty of effective props. These help to establish the chilling setting and situation Steffi has found herself. Everything about the production in this film works and works well.

Director Chris Carle also takes on the writing which builds as the film goes on. Rather than waste time and budget filming the scenes that came before it, the characters open up about what happened which makes the audience even more uncomfortable. Not knowing is far more exciting in a film like this and allows them to imagine what happened. The dialogue is incredibly effective and believable. Steffi is willing to try whatever it takes whilst Frank toys with her. This is a well thought out and effective script which was handled with meticulously.

The performances from Rebecca Lara Müller and Fynn Zinapold are outstanding and will get audiences engaged from the very beginning. Müller who plays Steffi captures a sincere sense of desperation and panic as she finds herself locked in a basement with a stranger. Müller is completely believable in her actions and back and fourth with Frank. What’s more, she doesn’t look awkward holding a gun which some actors never seem to pull off. On the other side, Frank played by Fynn Zinapold starts off as a confused stranger. But we soon learn that he’s not quite as innocent as he makes out, Zinapold delivers a psychotic performance which will haunt some audiences. The back and fourth between them both is terrifying and chilling.

The score composed by Maike Androsch compliments the solid performances and creates a sense of urgency and danger. It’s both subtle and powerful where needed which shows a great level of filmmaking.

If you’re interested in short thrillers then look no further, Chris Carle delivers an incredibly heart racing film that’s memorable and looks stunning. We highly recommend it!

— APEX Film Awards