Reel Horror

"13 Seconds" is an Hour and a Half of Terror

Never heard of the film "13 Seconds." Don't worry you will. Part "Session9" and part "The Shining", "13 Seconds" is a critical and festival hit by actor/writer/director Jeff Thomas. A film as good as this cannot remain a secret forever.

The story centers around a rock band called "Night Gallery." In order to get back to basics, the band has decided to reocrd their lastest endeavor in an abandoned boarding school from the 1930's. Upon entering it's obvious that this is not going to be the easiest place to record. But the creepy atmosphere does not keep the band from splitting up and exploring. While roaming we learn that not everyone in the band is happy to be recording there. We also find out they are not alone in the school. They have awakened the spirits within and they are angry. Things get even hairier when the band members stumble upon the gallery. The gallery is the key to the mystery for before anyone is killed their picture mysteriously turns up on the wall. That's all I can say without giving away to much. Ok, Ok. There are ax wielding, bandaged maniacs. Happy. Good. This is honestly one of the best written independent films I have ever seen. Being a veteran I thought I had it all figured out. Was I wrong. The movie may start out a bit slow but just give in ten minutes and you will be hooked.

I'm not sure what the budget was for the film but they made every penny count. The effects were great. How many times have you seen a hand burst through someone's chest? Well, you've never seen it like this. Robert Miller, Malefactor Studios FX, is an artist in every sense of the word. The guts were glistening and the blood was perfect. I wish I could say more but it would give away too much.

The movie was well shot for an indie. Jeff Thomas, used some very interesting angles to keep the viewer in suspense. One of my favorites is a reflection shot off a doorknob. The only negative I found was the lighting. I know the goal of a horror film is to keep everyone in suspense and the best way to achieve that is with shadowy lighting. But some scenes were just to darn hard to see. It seemed that evey actor was light on only one side of their body. Now this may have been a lighting choice but for me it was the one thing that didn't work perfectly. Again, it's only my opinion. The people I was watching it with disagreed with me.

The acting was good for the most part. There were just a few times when things were getting bloody that the characters were all calm and cool. If it were me and my buddy was gutted by some unseen force, I would be sucking my thumb in the corner calling for my mommy. I just thought that some of the cast was holding back.

If you have been burned by indie films before take heart. "13 Seconds" will remind you why independent film is important. Right now the film is been shown at festivals and small screenings. The film has something for everyone. Plenty of gore, a great scares and a story that twists and turns like a roller coaster. Just when you think you have it all figured out the ax drops again - literally!!! Get ready for ride like none you have ever taken.

Head on over to Rain-Storm Pictures for more info.