MOVIE TITLE: DON’T MOVE.

 FILM DIRECTED BY ANTHONY MELTON | WRITTEN BY DAVID SCUILLOIN 


STORY AND THEME

“Don’t Move” is a chilling horror short that immediately evokes a sense of dread and suspense. From the opening scene, the film hooks the viewer with its tense atmosphere, throwing us straight into a terrifying scenario without wasting time.

The story follows a group of friends who unwittingly summon a demonic entity during a séance using a cursed Ouija board. The twist? The creature hunts by sound—so the characters must remain completely still and silent.

The central theme of “Don’t Move” revolves around fear, survival, and the dire consequences of curiosity and dabbling with the supernatural. It’s also a cautionary tale about how quickly control and sanity unravel in life-or-death situations. There are certainly unexpected twists, including shocking character deaths and the horrifying final moment when one character’s silent scream becomes the audience’s last image.

CHARACTERS AND PERFORMANCES

Despite the short runtime, the characters are surprisingly well-developed for a horror short. Each actor gives a believable performance, particularly Rachel Bright, who portrays fear, desperation, and guilt with intensity and realism.

The demon itself, played by Ian Whyte, becomes a character in its own right—its presence looming over every moment. One standout is the character who sacrifices a friend to save himself, creating a moral conflict that adds emotional weight to the plot. Relationships between the characters feel genuine, making their fates more impactful.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

The cinematography in Don’t Move is highly effective and contributes immensely to the tension. Tight shots, dark corners, and deliberate framing build an atmosphere where every movement counts.

One particularly standout shot is when the camera slowly pans around the room, showing each terrified face, while the demon stalks unseen in the shadows—creating unbearable suspense. The use of color is muted and cold, emphasizing the lifelessness of the room, while flashes of red (blood, the demon's claws, the heart) are jarring and disturbing.

SOUND AND MUSIC

Sound design is crucial in this film. The soundtrack is minimal but chilling, often giving way to silence—which makes even the smallest sound (like a bead rolling on the floor or a breath) feel deafening.

The film’s score doesn’t overpower the scenes but instead heightens key moments, making the viewer hyper-aware of the characters’ every breath. Sound effects are crystal clear, especially the monster’s disturbing growls and sudden attacks. The soundscape leaves a lasting impression and is central to the film's success.

OVERALL IMPACT

Don’t Move exceeded expectations as a horror short. It’s a masterclass in suspense, pacing, and minimalist storytelling. Its biggest strength lies in how it uses silence and stillness as weapons—rare in horror films that often rely on loud jump scares.

The film evokes strong emotions: fear, anxiety, and helplessness. It’s the kind of short that stays with you after the credits roll, especially because of its haunting final image.

I would definitely recommend Don’t Move to horror fans or anyone interested in how tension can be built without elaborate effects or lengthy exposition. Its message? Sometimes silence is more terrifying than sound.



#VisualStorytelling

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#UniMACIFT

#AGBLEYGODFREDKWAKU

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