BEST FRIENDS FOREVER (BFF) **** Canada 2018 Dir: Emily Gagne, Josh Korngut. 13 mins
An atmospheric, stylish distillation of the American modern horror film’s vengeful / bullied teen trope, this has three teenage girls sharing the story of Nancy (Jen Pogue), a cruelly pranked, unpopular late-90’s student who disappeared after her cruel treatment. Legend has it that she’s still out there…looking for girls of her age. “Whatever you do, don’t let her in” is the traditional ominous mantra – and according to the legend, Nancy’s appearance is heralded by an unexpected knock at the door.
This well cast short conforms to some expected character types, including Addison Holley in a fine turn as the bitchy, sluttily dressed teen with the token unattractive tag-along friend whom is probably reminded constantly of how privileged she is to join their circle. Fake scare pranks and dips into Nancy’s “diary” fill time before the bonafide threat emerges. The J-horror vibe is inevitable and it’s a little slight, but the undead, grinning, groaning, bedraggled walking female corpse (half a friendship necklace around her neck) is an impressive modern echo of some classic EC Comics visuals. Very nicely shot by Jordan Oram (who subsequently got the cinematography gig for 2020’s new SAW movie), with a fabulous 80’s style signature song “Knock Knock {Nancy’s Back]” written by the directors and sung by Anna Klein.
Review by Steven West
