Wrong Train Review

Wrong Train is a 2021 horror short film written and directed by Cornelius Broderick.

A fast-paced vampiric horror film that delivers on an interesting premise. Wrong Train is a short film that leans into silent cinema of yesteryear somewhat but needed to embrace that style just a tad bit more.

What at first seemed like some strange editing decisions quickly grew to account for a loving homage to films like Nosferatu. The main difference and possibly problem here is that the elements surrounding this style don’t go far enough into that level to help balance out the visuals. The most noticeable piece being the sound design, which is at parts atmospheric, could have used just a little less hard transitions in and out of scenes.

Visually the film looks solid. While the moments in the subway station of course could only have so much done to them lighting wise due to the run and gun style one must implement to keep a low profile, it is when we are outside of this environment that the film shines the most. The only sad part with this is that we are treated to such good cinematography courtesy of Edoardo Achilli at the very end of the film.

Outside of the sound design there could have been perhaps a stronger score utilized to help heighten the moments and less times where the characters are communicating with no dialogue audible. This is where going further into silent film territory may have pushed the elements higher as a whole. While not a suggestion to implement dialogue cards, maybe just a further reliance on facial expressions, rather than just inaudible talking would have worked well.

There also can not be a vampire movie without talk of the makeup and effects at play. While minimal here, what is shown is well executed with the effects and makeup by Lucia O’ Brien and Aleksandra Bebneva standing out on their own nicely. Our two main vampire leads were both well played by Sarah Bosch and Lucia O’ Brien who committed to their twisted roles whole-heartedly.

This is a solid short film with good lore that it builds as the story continues on. Make sure to stay tuned after the credits to get a last bit of this vicious cycle continuing on. It is a clean film that deserves a watch, especially for any vampire or horror afficionados out there.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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