The opening shot of the short film 5.7 Seconds goes from 0 – 60 in an instant. Crafted to look like a Michael Bay action trailer, the intensity of the full-bodied music score combined with the apocalyptic color saturation lends itself to a thrilling watch. Writers and directors Shane Cibella and Tim Aslin’s 14-minute horror film is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity and will leave viewers questioning whether the devil we know is truly better than the devil we don’t.

Nowadays, Danger Lurks Everywhere

Jane (Shante DeLoach) frantically finds refuge in an abandoned car during a moment of sheer panic. We can’t see exactly what she’s trying to escape from but her demeanor makes it clear that evil lurks nearby. Just as she’s beginning to feel safe in her hideaway spot, a stranger appears in the car’s backseat.

Upon the realization that she is not alone, the camera glides around the claustrophobic environment of the SUV. Seeing the mysterious man forces Jane to make an impulse decision. Does she attempt to work together with this man to fight the threats looming outside? As she contemplates this scenario, Jane makes a horrifying discovery that jeopardizes her life. This man isn’t a friend and definitely isn’t safe. She’s horrified by the thought that she may have been better off fighting the demons outside than the one next to her.

Fed Up with Toxic Masculinity

Evoking a similar uneasiness as 28 Days Later, 5.7 Seconds doesn’t shy away from darker themes of assault and stalking. The protagonist is a woman pushed to the edge and fed up with toxic masculinity. Her entrapment, both literally and figuratively, is a feeling that many women have experienced. It’s incredibly rewarding to see her in action, taking a stand against her abuser.

Takeaway

5.7 Seconds feels like it’s just a snippet of a larger story. Given the narrative restraints that inevitably come with a short film, more character development and environmental context would have been a great touch. Perhaps the filmmakers will have the opportunity to adapt this into a feature and if they do, I’ll enthusiastically buy a ticket for opening night. 5.7 Seconds premiered at the 2024 LA International Short Film Festival.