Ding You’re Dead Review
Ding You’re Dead is a 2019 short film written and directed by Jay Salahi.
For those out there who feel that cinema has presented every object that could attempt to kill us, may I present to you Ding… You’re Dead.
With tongue firmly in cheek, Salahi and crew deliver a fun horror film that almost feels like a condensed adult episode of the infamous Goosebumps series. It is fun, atmospheric, and offers no rhyme or reason for the happenings on screen, and all for the better.
The short starts out almost a little by the numbers, but once it gets going, the film treats us to Evil Dead layers of camera movements and the oh so lovable Dutch tilts. It is playful, and it knows it, never trying to make the scares extra scary by any means.
On the technical aspects of the film, of course, as mentioned, the camera work here is playful and inventive. The lighting layouts by cinematographer Raquel Gallero truly brings all the elements together. When we go from a normal evening watching TV to one filled with killer microwave goodness, the style changes dramatically. Flashes of lightning paint the room and it all becomes instantly spooky at the flip of a switch.
The music by Mattan Cohen also deserves a special mention as it fits every moment perfectly, with big hits where they count, a firm take of originality. Nothing feels forced in the musical choices.
As a final quick note, Trevor Larson who stars in the film brings a believable, every man style to his role that makes it easy to relate to those nights where you regret house sitting for a friend. Without saying so much as a full sentence, we can glean so much from him.
This is a great short film, with a wonderful sense of humor and a fun spirit. Hopefully, they show this short to Sam Raimi one day, as it is easy to see where he would enjoy all the significant influence of his horror work has had on this one. An easy piece to recommend, especially for those who enjoy horror.
To follow on social media: Website, Jay Salahi Twitter, and Instagram.
Cheers!
Daniel Hess
Film Festival and Award Highlights:
Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival
Ottawa Spookshow and Fantastic Film Festival
Be Afraid Horror Fest
Picture Show Panic
A Slice of Fright Fest
HorrOrigins Film Festival
The American Horrors Film Festival
Andromeda Film Festival
Hollywood Venus Awards
Frostbite International Indie Fest
Horror Avenue Film Festival
Indie Short Fest
6ix Screams International Horror Film Festival
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