An aspiring actor ends up starring in her own living nightmare in the horror short film, Bananahead. Selected to screen at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival, Bananahead comes from the mind of writer-director Christopher Greenslate. Inspired by personal conversations he had when meeting lead actor Sally Maersk, Greenslate tackles the theme of toxic expectations, a prevalent occurrence within the pressure cooker in the Hollywood film industry.

Following in Her Mother’s Mysterious Footsteps

Andi Sanger (Maersk) is an aspiring actor whose reputation precedes her. The daughter of a famous author who mysteriously disappeared two years ago, Andi understands that, while she may get attention from her last name, her talent is what will ultimately book her roles. Luckily, there is one upcoming audition she knows she will nail. It’s the lead in the film “Bananahead”, a feature adaptation of her late mother’s bestselling book.

Andi’s audition comes at a busy time in her life. She is also in the middle of renovating her grandmother’s house, which she has recently moved into with her boyfriend. One night, Andi stumbles upon a mysterious room that seems to turn her manifestations of fame and stardom into reality. This room is a fantasyland that plays out her deepest desires. Andi watches in awe, as she witnesses the life she’s dreamed about. But then, she wakes up.

Life continues to go on as normal. That is, until Andi starts having bizarre night terrors and unexplainable sickness. When she initially entered the mysterious room, Andi was amazed that she could see her future playing out in front of her. But she soon realizes that by unlocking this dream scenario, she has also unlocked a haunting legacy, a psychodrama wherein she’s the lead, and also may not survive.

A Stylish, 24-Minute Psychological Horror Film

Bananahead is an ambitious psychological horror film that does the most with its runtime and leading actor. Sally Maersk takes on many different roles and her performance is charged and captivating in each one. From a craft perspective, deciding to transition from square 1:1 framing to horizontal 16:9, once Andi enters the mysterious room, is a creative choice that serves the story well. At the same time Andi enters this new dimension, so does the audience. Director Christopher Greenslate also plays around with color in fresh ways. The mysterious room enlists pastel hues of orange and pink pastels while the moments on the “Bananahead” film set are captured in black and white.

Takeaway

A stylish fever dream inspired by common experiences between creatives, Bananahead is a cautionary tale about chasing fame and the expectations of one’s legacy.