'Beneath Us All' Review: A Story of Resurrection and Survival
A once-dormant evil presence is abruptly unearthed in filmmaker Harley Wallen's independent horror film, Beneath Us All. Spanning centuries and spiritual planes, Beneath Us All blends fantasy with good, old-fashioned thrills. Wallen enlists his regular troupe of actors, including Kaiti Wallen and Yan Birch, to bring this story of resurrection and revenge to life.
Coming Face to Face with the Devil
The film begins by providing a crucial backstory about one man's unfortunate demise in Scandinavia, 912 AD. After being buried, Frey (Birch) is presumed dead and transported to America by a mob of Scandinavian villagers. Fast forward to the present day, and we are introduced to Julie (Angelina Danielle Cama). Julie is a foster child on the cusp of her 18th birthday, and struggles with her home life. Her foster parents are selfish and ignorant of Julie's needs, the opposite of her empathetic nature. She gets along well with her younger foster brother, Stephen (Malachi Myles), who looks to Julie for safety and security. Running parallel to this storyline is a determined caseworker, Rebecca (Kaiti Wallen), who counts Julie and her family as clients.
One night, in an attempt to free herself from the despair of her homelife, Julie runs off into the woods, where she stumbles upon a strange discovery: a Yggdrasil pendant. She unintentionally uses the pendant to resurrect a demonic spirit, disguised as the man from the beginning of the film, Frey. What follows is a bloody trail of chaos and cannibalism, and things get personal when the creature goes after Julie's foster brother. This soon becomes the ultimate test of what she is willing to sacrifice for her family.
A Multi-Award Winning, Full-Bodied Production
Harley Wallen is no stranger to supernatural horror, and Beneath Us All is an epic showcase of his craft. The use of practical effects grounds the film in reality, making the horror beats much more sinister. The screenplay, written by Bret Miller, does an excellent job of balancing both Julie and Rebecca's storylines. Each character has their own independent story arcs, with their eventual crossover feeling organic and unforced. Aiding in the film's overall aesthetic is the full-bodied, uptempo score. Composers Firoze and Kaizad Patel incorporate sweeping choral arrangements, thematically similar to a Hans Zimmer production. Since its release in 2023, Beneath Us All has received nineteen wins and nine nominations at various film festivals.
Takeaway
For an indie feature, Beneath Us All has a large screen presence. Its genre-spanning script, combined with compelling performances and confident direction, makes Beneath Us All a truly haunting tale.
'The Floor Remembers' Review: Capturing a Magical Sense of Nostalgia
Many of us have fond memories of a special place we frequented in our childhood. For those who grew up in Kendall, FL, that place is most likely the local roller rink, Hot Wheels (no correlation to the Mattel matchbox car IP). In the short documentary The Floor Remembers, director Jayme Kaye Gershen captures the magical feeling of nostalgia with this cinematic time capsule of a Miami landmark. The film made its World Premiere at the 2026 Miami Film Festival.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Everyone has a story about Hot Wheels. From birthday parties to weddings and even funerals, Hot Wheels, located twenty miles outside of Miami, was the place to be ever since it opened its doors in 1987. Despite the city's continuous change and reinvention over the decades, the local roller rink remained a comforting constant. The funky disco music, the Monday night adults-only free skate, and even the employees have kept the spirit of the rink alive. One of Hot Wheels' long-standing employees, Brenda, acts as the film's narrator. She is definitely qualified to discuss its colorful history. Brenda started working at the rink at 16, and she's now 50. As if her tenure and rollerblade earrings didn't give it away, her life is dedicated to this special place.
Through intimate interviews with previous and current company owners, employees, and patrons, The Floor Remembers acts as a love letter to a cultural institution. The documentary has the feel of a video essay, with collage-style editing and structure. Archival footage blends with modern-day rolling shots, captured by skate cinematographer Jorge Graupera.
Director's Statement
"My work moves across film, photography, sound, and immersive installation, exploring how people connect to one another and to place. I am interested in the emotional patterns that shape identity, and in storytelling as a way of creating access; an entry point for seeing ourselves in others... With The Floor Remembers, I expand this approach through collaboration. Working with the Miami roller rink community, I placed a camera directly in the hands of a regular skater and invited participants to contribute their own images and stories. The film becomes a collective portrait, one shaped from within, capturing a space where memory, movement, and identity continue to circulate." - Jayme Kaye Gershen, director
Takeaway
The Floor Remembers is more than just an homage to a Miami landmark. It acts as a visual memory scrapbook for those who consider this special place a second home. It doesn't matter your background; whether you're a doctor or a drug dealer (apparently, both have been patrons). If you frequent Hot Wheels, you're part of the family.
'The Yellow Balloon: The Curse of Vincent Vile' Review: A Bonkers Fright Fest
Filmmaker Jason D. Morris is not afraid to unleash the beast in the wildly unhinged horror flick The Yellow Balloon. Part grindhouse expose, part supernatural chaos, The Yellow Balloon is a divisive horror-comedy that proudly caters to a niche audience. With a screenplay by Robert Carrera, The Yellow Balloon doesn't take itself too seriously, which is the best way to enjoy this bonkers fright fest. Leave your expectations at the door and prepare yourself for a truly unique viewing experience.
Heartbreak is a Killer
After suffering a devastating breakup, Mia (Justine Leverett) and her friends escape to a remote cabin in the woods so she can clear her head. Mia and her pals, Harper (Shelby Broadnax), Travis (Robert Carrera), and Eli (Justin Jobe), have every intention of making this weekend one of rest and relaxation. However, there are external forces at play that choose savagery over serenity. A disturbing number of yellow balloons seem to appear out of nowhere. Surprisingly, they bring with them a demonic force that the friends struggle to fend off. This leads to the discovery of Ringmaster Vincent Vile (Scott Somers), a creepy carnival figure who is behind the twisted occurrences. Vincent deploys cursed VHS tapes and an army of yellow balloons to incite violence and throw the groups' trust into question, disrupting their friendship dynamic and turning them against each other.
A Disturbing Occult Carnival Nightmare
Those with a fear of clowns or circus-related paraphernalia will want to steer clear of The Yellow Balloon. For those who love the imagery of an occult carnival nightmare, this one's for you. Director Jason D. Morris embraces the film's campy spirit with grotesque body horror, sexual scenarios, and lots of special effects makeup. The Yellow Balloon leans into NSFW moments, as exploding penises and a balloon extraction from a woman's vagina are only the beginning of the madness.
The majority of the film takes place at night, which lends itself to an overall darker color palette. This backdrop sets the scene for the story arc's impending spookiness, which is amplified by a playfully thrilling score. The four leads each have their moments to shine throughout the film, and their authenticity on screen carries more weight than the quality of the performance.
Takeaway
The Yellow Balloon is not your traditional horror film. What we have here is a genre-specific, carnival creature feature that may creep you out more than scare you. That said, however, the commitment to the bit is quite commendable.
'Pittsburgh' Review: An Unexpected Journey of Self-Discovery
A young girl embarks on an unexpected detour, both literally and figuratively, in filmmaker Ali Marsh's short dramedy, Pittsburgh. Set in 1979, Pittsburgh explores the moment of disillusionment for a child who realizes that the adults in her life may not be as dependable as she has been conditioned to believe. Originally devised as a feature-length film, this shortened version of Pittsburgh serves as the preview of a concept story that audiences can hope to see expanded in the near future.
An Unexpected Journey of Self-Discovery
Mints (Delaney Quinn) is a nine-year-old who is wise beyond her years. Her maturity seems to surpass her father's, who has been a basketcase of emotion ever since his divorce from her mother. Post-separation, Mints has had to split her time between both parents, who live hundreds of miles apart. During this recent visit, her father has been especially needy, and Mints can't wait to return to her mother's house. Traveling solo, she boards her flight with the expectation that the worst is behind her. However, the pilot announces that the plane is rerouting to Pittsburgh overnight, as groans of disappointment erupt from the passengers. Mints is annoyed, but faces this unexpected adventure head-on.
Given that she is a minor, Mints is legally left in the care of Leslie (Nadia Quinn), a flight attendant. What transpires after that is a chaotic, emotionally-fueled night complete with her guardian's drunken shenanigans. Mints finds comfort in the presence of a fellow passenger from the plane who resembles a grandmotherly figure, but even this woman's companionship can't alleviate Mints' sudden, life-changing realization: the adults in her life may be older, but that doesn't mean they know better. Mints recognizes that from this point on, she cannot blindly rely on adults. She must be her own protector.
For Fans of Little Miss Sunshine
In Pittsburgh, writer/director Ali Marsh transports audiences back to the 70s with great attention to detail. From the authentic production design and costumes to the overall aesthetic of the film, Pittsburgh feels like a cinematic time capsule. Bringing the story to life is the spunky Delaney Quinn, who perfectly embodies Mints. Mints is a dynamic character; the juxtaposition of her innocence and independence is reminiscent of another fabulous young protagonist, Olive (played by Abigail Breslin), in Little Miss Sunshine. In fact, the film as a whole has a similar tone to the 2006 Academy Award-winning feature.
Director's Statement
"I hope people are moved and entertained by this coming-of-age story. This inflection point in a child’s life when they realize that the adults in the room not only do not have all the answers, but that the child herself might actually have access to a purer font of knowledge than the adults around her. So, it’s a bit heavy in a way, but also, hopefully, somewhat funny!" - Ali Marsh, writer/director
Takeaway
This coming-of-age story is a true indie gem that tackles emotional growth with humor and heart. Pittsburgh will make its World Premiere at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival.
'Monument' Review: Unity is the Foundation of Peace
Bohemian Rhapsody and X-Men director Bryan Singer shines a light on an unsung hero in the historical drama Monument. Inspired by true events, Monument tells the story of award-winning Israeli architect Amnon Rechter and his contributions to bringing peace amidst ongoing political tension. While Rechter may not be a household name, Monument aims to make sure his legacy is acknowledged and remembered. Given the state of our current political climate and international conflict, Monument is not only timely viewing but also essential.
The Harder the Battle, the Sweeter the Victory
Amnon Rechter (Joe Mazzello) and his father, Yacov (Jon Voight), are prominent Israeli architects who are facing the biggest commission of their careers. The year is 1999, the penultimate year of Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon, and they are tasked with erecting a Monument to honor fallen SLA, or Southern Lebanon Army, soldiers. The Israeli Ministry of Defense is financing the project, and that comes with strings attached. In addition to the moral and political landmines that must be navigated during the structure's conceptualization, Yacov and Amnon find themselves frequenting a dangerous area near Lebanon’s security zone called “Death Road.”
Amidst the chaos and conflict, Amnon returns to his belief that unity is the foundation of the future. His idea for the monument reflects this communal remembrance. He doesn't agree that this structure should only commemorate the fallen Israelis, but should include all those who sacrificed their lives for their freedom. He begins conceptualizing a sacred space, akin to a Zen garden, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews can find peace and solidarity. Amnon's intentions, while pure, don't sit well with everyone in his community. Yet, despite the lackluster support, he carries on. He collaborates with the local South Lebanon Army to safely build a monument that transcends nationalism.
Capturing the Artistry Amidst the Chaos of Conflict
Led by director Bryan Singer, the inspiring story of Amnon Rechter gets the Hollywood treatment in Monument. It combines the very best of a powerful blockbuster with the spirit of an independent film. Cinematographer Ziv Berkovich captures the film's intensity by utilizing extreme close-ups and handheld shots. This organic style of filmmaking drops viewers into the story as if we are on the front lines. The sweeping score from composer Kenneth Lampl further amplifies the film's overall boldness.
Director's Statement
"Wars leave the same scars across all nations, whether in Lebanon, the Balkans, Rwanda, Ukraine, or elsewhere. Monument doesn’t reduce conflict to politics. It mourns loss–all loss–and insists on the humanity behind every tragedy. It also invites audiences to imagine the alternative: a world where 'love thy neighbor' is not a commandment ignored, but a reality lived. Every one of us carries traumas from the past, but what we do with this legacy of scars is up to us. Inheritance is not destiny." - Bryan Singer, director.
Takeaway
Monument's big takeaway is less about architecture and more about conscience. Regardless of political or spiritual beliefs, Monument tells a universal story by exploring the theoretical question: Can art unite where religion divides? One can continue to hope so.
'The Devil's Left Hand' Review: The Devil in Disguise
If you're into shapeshifters and dark magic, The Devil's Left Hand, from master horror filmmaker Harley Wallen, is calling your name. This 2023 supernatural thriller conjures up the best of the genre's tropes, leaving viewers with a delightfully twisted sense of uneasiness up to the very last frame. Demonic forces should propel this indie feature to cult status, where the more scared you are of the evil spirit, the stronger it gets.
The Devil at Your Door
Cassidy (Kaiti Wallen) and Richie (Kris Reilly) are hosting a housewarming party, with an unusual addition to the night's festivities. The young couple and their close friends enlist a Medium, Miss Vesna (Aphrodite Nikolovski), to connect with past loved ones before they embark on their new beginning in this sacred space. Despite innocent intentions, things go horribly wrong. A demonic entity breaks through the spiritual portal and breaches Miss Vesna. She quickly loses control of the spirit, causing a devastating chain reaction of terror and havoc. After the party, Cassidy, Richie, and their friends remain on high alert, sensing this demon is not only stalking them but also shapeshifting to cause further confusion.
This incident leads Richie to confront his childhood trauma surrounding his father. When he was 12, Richie's dad attempted to strangle him and his mother to death. To save her and protect himself, he shot and killed his father. Despite surviving the incident, Richie's mother was admitted to a mental institution and has been there ever since. This haunting memory consumes Richie because the demonic force has taken the shape of his deceased father, which sends him into a spiral both mentally and physically. To save himself and his friends, Richie must confront his father one last time.
A "Choose Your Own Adventure" Ending
The craft behind The Devil's Left Hand is impressive, driven by high-quality special effects and smart pacing. Editorially, the film doesn't rely on jump scares to force audience reactions. Rather, it lets the script and performances speak for themselves. The sound design is another key element that adds a necessary sense of heightened emotion. The film ends on a somewhat open-ended note, which could frustrate some viewers. However, it seems like writer/director Harley Wallen wanted to give the audience a "choose your own adventure" ending that only adds to the film's DIY nature.
Takeaway
Winner of six awards, including Best Feature at the Mindfield Film Festival, The Devil's Left Hand captures the spirit of a true independent horror film. Fun fact: If you've seen Harley Wallen's previous films, you may recognize some familiar faces in the cast, including Wallen himself.
'We Never Sleep' Review: The Horrors of Living in the Digital Age
There is a growing shift from the comfort of using social media as a trusted tool to connect with friends and share personal life updates. Nowadays, it's not uncommon that this information is used to weaponize someone's faults and deepest insecurities virtually. The devastating effects of this type of digital assassination are explored through a sinister lens in the short film We Never Sleep by filmmakers Rashan Mines and Ren-Horng Wang. Acknowledging the current surveillance state of social media, We Never Sleep is a darkly dystopian tale about the horrors of living in the digital age.
On Watching and Being Watched
The film opens with Mikaela (Mellisa Goodwin) and her partner, Austin (Tyler Courtad), chatting about the future of AI. Standing around their kitchen counter, their casual conversation quickly turns intense. Mikaela asks Austin if he's familiar with the "Mob," a rogue AI that she claims kills people in their sleep. Laughing it off as an outlandish joke, Austin doesn't give her question much thought. However, he can't help but wonder if there may be a hint of truth to it. Later that evening, weird disturbances catch Mikaela off guard. She starts getting recurring calls from an "Unknown" number, and all of her smart devices begin playing mind games with her. It isn't until she sees Austin that she realizes that the mob is closer than she thinks. In other words, the call is coming from inside the house.
The post-credit scene explains the events leading up to Mikaela and Austin's dire situation. One week prior, the couple attended a cocktail party where Austin told a harmless, yet inappropriate, joke to one of the guests. They all laughed at the twisted nature of the punchline, but others who overheard were less than pleased. Their faces clearly reflected disgust, resulting in the need for Austin to over-explain his reasoning for finding the joke funny. This moment, it turns out, was the beginning of the end for the unsuspecting couple.
Personifying Cancel Culture
Filmmakers Rashan Mines and Ren-Horng Wang personify the echo chamber of online communities in this bite-sized horror short. The monster, in this case, is something we all encounter in today’s world. In We Never Sleep, the paranoia of being on the receiving end of online backlash is given a name: the mob. Utilizing a familiar horror soundscape and suspenseful editing, We Never Sleep conjures up a real sense of terror. The performances by Mellisa Goodwin and Tyler Courtad intentionally blur the line between kitchy and dramatic. They excel at keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Director's Statement
"At its core, this film explores accountability, empathy, and the humanity we risk losing when we can no longer disagree, forgive, or believe people can change. How can we create a society that encourages responsibility while allowing room for growth? How do we engage with one another without losing nuance? Our monster is not just a source of fear; it reflects digital anxiety infiltrating our bedrooms, our friendships, and our sense of self."
Takeaway
Like an episode of Black Mirror, We Never Sleep shows the repercussions of living a life online. While the film aims to make a statement about this ongoing threat, it also hints at how taking accountability can stop issues before they even begin. We Never Sleep will have its World Premiere at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival.
'Two Tears' Review: Authenticity Outshines Perfection
Two young girls learn the secret of what it takes to make a truly powerful performance in filmmaker Josefina Pieres's short film, Two Tears. This coming-of-age story is set within the intense world of ballet, where technique often dominates authenticity. Two Tears serves as a heartfelt reminder that the best performances are born out of love and passion, not only discipline.
Harnessing Passion in the Performance
Ginny (Sofia Bela) and Deana (Sydney Godstein) are eight-year-old aspiring ballet dancers who are eagerly preparing for their debut in The Nutcracker. However, they are so caught up in the art form's perfectionist tendencies that their passion to dance becomes secondary. One night, they discover a book containing a curse that feels directly related to their upcoming dance. The curse states that the girls must shed two tears of pure emotion or risk their future as dancers. A real dancer leads with passion and emotion, two qualities that Ginny and Deana have been lacking. The only problem is they're unsure what exactly “emotional tears” means. And so begins their quest to identify this mystery and reverse the curse before it is too late.
The girls share their findings with their ballet teacher, Miss Maia (Krystal Millie Valdes), who quickly brushes off the story as nonsense. But as soon as she is alone, Miss Maia breaks down in tears. Clearly, she knows more than she is letting on. Eventually, Miss Maia confesses her unique connection to the curse and attempts to help Ginny and Deana connect with their deeper, authentic feelings.
Childhood Artistic Awakening
Produced by Mel Quintans and Israel Consuegra, Two Tears is a poetic story about self-trust and artistic awakening in childhood. The sweet performances from the young protagonists, Sydney Godstein and Sofia Bela, anchor the film. Their youthful energy and innocent demeanour are the perfect characteristics for the roles of Ginny and Deana. Their wisdom and maturity shine onscreen, and director Josefina Pieres knows exactly how to harness their strengths for maximum impact. The film's visual language, including the sensitive and elegant cinematography by Diana Matos and the cinematic score of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, further gives the film its emotional depth.
Director's Statement
"When I was eleven years old, my father died. From one day to the next, I became a composed, controlled child, hiding my emotions from the world. That same year, I stepped onto a stage for the first time. Through performance, I found a language for feelings I didn’t yet know how to express. Art did not simply save me. It protected me from shutting down. It taught me how to feel. Two Tears is, in many ways, a return to that moment... I recognize myself in these girls, in their discipline, their seriousness, and their desire to do everything right. At its core, Two Tears is about the courage to feel. Because sometimes the answer is not in achieving the dream, but in allowing ourselves to experience it fully." - Writer/director Josefina Pieres.
Takeaway
It's easy to get caught up in perfectionism, especially in a competitive setting like ballet. Two Tears reminds viewers of the importance of reconnecting with our authentic selves and allowing passion, rather than internalized expectations, to guide our actions. The film will be making its World Premiere at the 2026 Miami International Film Festival.