Mallas, MA – A Short Film Review
Two con-artists posing as paranormal investigators get more than they bargained for in Mallas, MA. This seven minute short is a nice little comedy that pleases on a number of levels.
Brian Higgins (Timothy J. Cox) and Maria Synder (Maria Natapov) are con-artists who pose as paranormal investigators, complete with ghost-busting equipment, who are called in to track down ghosts in the small town of Mallas, MA. After initial investigations they discover a small girl in the basement of a house and use her to pose as a ghost for some shots in and around the town. Brian immediately warms to the girl and they get their shots of the so-called ghost. When both appear on a 6pm talk show to explain their findings things take an unexpected turn.
This movie was made as part of the Boston 48 Hour Film Project. This is very impressive going for a short that was completed in only 48 hours. Director Sean Meehan gave us a fantastic movie with a nice twist so it is no surprise to hear the movie won the Audience Choice Award.
This short film was written by Meehan, Daniel Berube and Todd Mahoney. They do a brilliant job and I need to mention again that this was done in 48 hours, it’s hard to believe. The story flows nicely and the well-timed twist at the end played out very well. The story made sense and drew you in giving just enough information without giving everything away. The writers made good use of having twins cast as the ‘ghost’ using them to good effect. This is not a new trick by any means but it is one that works extremely well on camera.
The movie opens with an excellent shot of the town and the great camera work continues throughout the movie with some excellent shots keeping the film at a very high standard, thanks to Meehan for an exceptional eye for a shot.
The music is another area where this short excels creating the perfect atmosphere for a ‘ghost story’ and making you feel something is not quite right. The music is definitely in the vein of ‘The X-Files’ giving that eerie feeling.
Timothy J. Cox does a great job playing the con artist Brian. He comes across as the brains of the operation especially when explaining the need to be convincing when using his equipment and appears to be ‘all business’. The way that he warms to the ghost is very pleasing and when he reveals all in the closing scenes you certainly feel for the character. Maria Natapov who plays Brian’s partner, Maria, is another well cast and very strong lead. She comes across as the ‘talker’ in the partnership and a great contrast to the analytical Brian. Maria plays the role with confidence and her facial expressions and reactions only add to this movie. The pair seem to work very well together, with the highlight between the two coming during the closing credits.
Although Sydney (the ghost) does not speak, she does not need to. Played by Uatchet Jin Juch and Nekhebet Kum Juch they both do a fine job at convincing us that something is not quite normal about their character. I also wanted to mention Robyn Kaan who is only in this movie for a short time but comes across very convincingly as some sort of spiritualist or ‘ghost-busting debunker’ by the way she talks and acts.
I really enjoyed this short. Considering it was made in 48 hours only makes this more impressive. Some excellent use of camera work, lighting and a nice story held together with two very strong leads and good supporting cast make this movie very watchable. Don’t forget to keep watching after the credits for a my favorite scene in the movie between Brian and Maria.
Watch the movie yourself here.
