FLAT | Short Thriller

Traveling home from a business trip, Rick stops in Joshua Tree to clear his head, but a blown tire leaves him stranded and yet that's not even the worst part of his day.
Starring: Seth Cassell, Julia Aks, & Caroline Gottlieb
Director: Michael Skanes - / michael.skanes
Music: Philip Kreyche
Producers: Tamara Rhoads, James Vaughn, and Michael Skanes
D.P.: Jay Dallen
Gaffer: Jon Boal
1st ACs: Andrew Parrotte and Tom Funk
2nd ACs: Leo Foley and Matt Ciampa
Key Grips: King Greenspon and Sam Klein
Production Sound Mixer: Travis Brown
Production Designer: Britt Harrison
Costume Designer: Stephanie Ruch
Hair & Make-up: Sierra Barton

[@mathetes7759]

The fact that a grown man in 2023 doesn't know how to change a flat tire only adds to the realism of this short movie! lol

[@rafaelvillanueva1547]

the fact that you believe everything you see in movies would probably worry me more than a man who doesn’t know how to change a tire

[@mathetes7759]

@@rafaelvillanueva1547 Lighten up Francis

[@IamSqueaky]

​@@rafaelvillanueva1547literally the dood in the short film...... (Joke btw) also speaking genuinely kids 🤓

[@MrDoctorSchultz]

You got soft hands brother

[@jly697]

Holy crap, I can't stop laughing about that comment 😂

[@awsjr12]

The moral of the story is to give a stranger who shows up out of nowhere in the middle of nowhere a life altering piece of iron and turn your back on them because... smart.

[@krisaaron8180]

Careful with that kind of thinking. It's the kind of thing that gets someone a long prison sentence because someone pulled into in his driveway and "I just assumed".....It comes from watching too much Fox News or too much KZbin.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

This film owes everything to the performance of the Caitlyn character and the actress that played her.

[@skanesfilms]

Agreed! She did a fantastic job! It was pleasure working with her and crafting her character.

[@j-rocd9507]

I think she has a Jennifer Lawrence vibe specifically her voice and movement/mannerisms but with more dangerous predatory sex appeal. 👍 Great job to everyone and you should be proud.

[@dropperknot]

@RPRosen-ki2fk I fully concur with your assessment, and still marvel at the splendid shape of her trousers.

[@her_colorfulpalette]

New fear unlocked. 🙄If your loved ones say something odd don't believe them just shut the door and stay safe

[@skanesfilms]

Haha 😆

[@adolfolerito6744]

Lesson for today kids? LEARN TO CHANGE YOUR OWN TIRES !

[@dropperknot]

I'm damned if I could make any sense out of that.

[@progresssivefaith1661]

In my opinion,the woman who approached him in the dessert,is a kind of alien entity.She killed him and somehow transformed herself to look like him and then went to find his girlfriend at their home.

[@farristolesome4419]

@@progresssivefaith1661 Thank you for the explanation because I certainly didn’t get it either but now it makes sense. 👍😉

[@progresssivefaith1661]

@@farristolesome4419 I 'm glad i helped!😊

[@Life_of_Ty]

This deserves way more attention,it’s very well done and didn’t over explain the lore. Great work

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@petergianarakos4439]

Again, I maintain that a complete story doesn't take 3 hrs. This is really a good movie with potential for a sequel. Are they shape-shifters, are they soul stealers, who steal souls, not blood. Anyway, great job. You all deserve a million++views.

[@sparkythancztwise]

Well, clearly, evidently in the film, a body stealer - foremost. (Singular since we cannot presume there are others within any number of miles, or light years. We only witness evidence of a singular entity.) And as for not stealing blood (as you alluded), before the body swap with him after she had knocked him out, her face (its face, the one worn after being stolen from the missing woman on the news) was saturated/caked with blood. That isn't clear as to why. Unlike another short, not eating the victim's flesh, but switching into it. And if she drank his blood like vampires, then how could she then switch into the blood depleted vessel/body? I wonder what the intention was with the blood depicted on her/its face. And finally, as for soul stealing, when it showed up and spoke to his wife, it used the word "honey" which she noticed was odd/unusual, which indicates another way that the person standing at the door is not him. Since we only speculate about connection and differentiation with mind, soul, spirit, etc., it would appear that the creature has hijacked his biological form but is thinking and communicating as itself, while trying to act and behave convincingly as the owner of the body would have if they were still alive and in the body. So we can't know if his soul has departed. There's no evidence depicted that his soul or spirit or mind is battling inside with the occupier. Maybe it consumes the soul of the victims, with a chaser of a half pint of blood. Maybe that's what you meant by "soul stealer"? Not sure why this is labeled a "thriller" because it's sci-fi. Maybe sci-fi/thriller or sci-fi/mystery.

[@sparkythancztwise]

P.S. if shape shifter, then it would have adopted his form and wouldn't have carried the physical injury from when he'd been hit with the tire iron. That is just then something to have to explain to others and such things would be optimally avoided. If a creature could shape-shift, then it begs the question "why would it copy the injury instead of the body as it was at first encounter?".

[@jaynola247]

I can't remember the last time I watched something that made me want to see a part 2 - or better still, a mini series that explores where it goes next and provides some background. I really hope it happens. Amazing work by all involved.

[@skanesfilms]

Hopefully one day. I’ve got 2 more horror films in the pipeline. With all of the comments about a sequel, maybe it’s something I’ll have to explore. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@agneshabas2890]

Fantastic film and funny Thank you

[@-englishcaption3182]

Welcome to watch new movie channel

[@kitspics526]

I’m glad I didn’t read the comments first since many are spoilers. Really enjoyed the pace and storyline. Setting in the desert adds to that isolation creepy vibe. Actors good. When it ended I smiled. Nice work all.

[@skanesfilms]

Glad to hear it! Thank you!!!

[@AcapulKero]

Absolutely great bro! We need a second part! :)

[@jayshah3376]

Almost Ryan Reynolds.

[@skanesfilms]

😆

[@TheFireline]

For me, the real horror would begin after the shapeshifter entered the house. The story so far was ok but not really the expected horror.

[@skanesfilms]

Maybe that’s where I’ll begin the sequel… or feature… one day!

[@petersalt]

The score gave me John Carpenter vibes for sure. Loved the concept of alien/shapeshifter lore. This could easily be adapted into a great series or film. The cinematography was great, as was the editing. The fight was very well done. The actors were also a great fit for the delivery of the story. All around really good.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@AntonioBentoBomfim]

Skinwalkers.

[@sirapos6550]

Wow,spot on about John Carpenter !

[@filipbartas576]

How long have you been with that woman?

[@keto3979133]

Watched the movie, but it felt like unraveling quantum physics while blindfolded. If anyone understands, please send a compass for this lost soul.

[@melanimatejak6821]

It looks like serial killer who is able to acquire the appearance of the person he (she? ) killed 🤔

[@zethraelofteldrassil3149]

Excellent ... superb twist that I never saw coming.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@paulineandrushuk8923]

You left us hanging ! WTF now I'm pissed off that I wasted the time.

[@jirihozpodebrad23]

Definitely go for a sequel - well done!

[@theresalynch551]

Wow😮 amazingly good storyline!!! Never seen the shape-shifter coming!!! Hope to see more content from you!!!❤

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you so much! Yes, definitely more to come!

[@TheDweeb002]

No one ever does...

[@sunnytelang]

The acting, the cinematography, the direction & overall look of film is just great. Would like to see such more stuff from you. It was very great to watch such a impactful short film. Love from india 🇮🇳

[@saulohenrique6091]

Vim pelo refugio cult, do Brasil. Excelente filme. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@MsRocka92]

Wish this was longer !!! Excellent short!

[@PlanetCurl]

After reading the comments, i devised my own interpretation and now im satisfied lol great movie

[@ptmedicane7369]

no ghost..not horror

[@emperor6376]

I don´t get it, did I miss a part 1, or what? 😀 However, nice job 👍. Greetings from Czechia.

[@Q-1424]

So...The cannibalistic shape shifter?? THAT'S NEW!

[@pauldavey]

Nothing that I can say that has not been said already. Great short.

[@renekingfisher9065]

Wow. I want to see more!!! This was good!

[@skanesfilms]

Working on it! Mamu will release in October after its final festival. Currently, editing my next horror short, Parasomnia. You can check out my Instagram to get a sneak peek. 😉

[@greendesertgoddess]

That was outstanding! I love "shape-shifters" they're so versatile. . . ❤ Very nicely done beautifully filmed and the clever word play was entertaining.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!!! I’m not much of a writer so I appreciate that. The next one will be even better now that I’ve teamed up with a great horror writer.

[@user-mx5nb5bo2u]

@@skanesfilms - Did you write this? Very good! Usually the victim becomes its/the/a perpetrator; but here´s something different; the perpetrator "becomes" its victim, and that´s interesting surprise.. Also as a parasite moving from one host to another, a serial killer which is is difficult traced...

[@skanesfilms]

Yes, I did. I wanted to write something that subverts the genre and is unexpected. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@C.U.N.Tahiti]

What was the word play? I missed it

[@FionaDarlington]

Great acting by both and an unpredictable ending. I give it 7/10

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback!

[@kbrheins]

Wait..is Matt’s voice John Krasinski? 🤣

[@drdas10]

He looks like premature Ryan Renolds

[@brianshaner8865]

I already mentioned this in another’s comment, but this was fucking fantastic. Great job to everyone involved. Loved the shapeshifter or changeling. Not sure which is more accurate. I’m not affiliated with Alter in any way, shape or form either, but I would love to see this on their channel.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!!!

[@rubyhro7440]

Great Story, great acting ❤

[@MZTHICK76]

Damn I wasn't expecting the shapeshifter...loved it!!

[@vickimoran1349]

Nice twist on the shape-shifter theme. Great job all around.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@karencalifano6132]

Love this!!!!!!!!!! But I wanted more.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Maybe in the future I’ll revisit this story. Definitely lots to explore here but glad to hear it!

[@retro9173]

Guys take note>> If you get approached by a hottie cause you never changed a tire in your life, you know what comes next .. 😏

[@nerdArya]

This can be a mini series..

[@user-pj9tk4op4w]

Shapeshifter!

[@megha6865]

You guys can make it as a 1 hr movie and sell it to some OTT. This is really good.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@tonycruz6183]

Simply amazing. Great job!

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sandman9811]

Hopefully the next part is coming because I am hooked on to this. ❤👍

[@frantisekvtelensky820]

Brilliant! 👌

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@jennl8921]

Wow. Great work. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Mamu will be dropping next month.

[@LadyDi0514]

Nice!! So well done- I wanted it to keep on going!!!!!!

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Appreciate it!!!

[@caitlynclark7882]

Ok, at first I kinda felt this was going the way of the reverse cliche where "man thinks woman can't be serial killer but she is", but I did NOT see that plot twist coming! Nice, VERY nice!

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! 😊

[@peachypie8018]

WOW !! Excellent story, well worth watching, thanks for the entertainment.

[@skanesfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@nealdmiller]

did not expect that-good job

[@skanesfilms]

😄

[@markbegley1564]

very good, thank you

[@shuga1313]

OMFG ! Excellent film and hopefully many many more successes like this one are to come

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@nataschadenhooglander6743]

Wow that was great 👏🏻👌🏻 would love to see it when its a full movie 🎬

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Maybe one day…

[@greendesertgoddess]

No full movie. Please! That's why we love Alter. Although some great full features have been made from Alter Shorts . . . "Piggy" and "Smile" to name a couple.

[@MrMaksi1990]

Omg .I better go practice how to change tires

[@brianholtzmusicsound]

Nicely done! Great story, acting and great attention photographic storytelling.

[@skanesfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janicemahan4772]

I wasn't picking up on the shape-shifter premise, but when I read the comments, it was like, duh!

[@00tact]

Amazing work

[@craigdoran9037]

So it didn't know how to change a tyre after all. Cant trust anyone

[@vanessadawn6747]

Very well done.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@marcosluna7792]

fantastic work!

[@entertainmentworld6074]

I don't know why it's so late, but it really is a great masterpiece 🤩

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! I actually put it up on Vimeo a few years back after it’s festival run. Only recently migrated a few things to KZbin.

[@loveisthedrug3579]

It’s a cool concept and all but I’m still left wondering what the body snatcher’s motive is. Just to have fun trying out different people’s lives?

[@Witchofthewoods.]

This was an awesome short film 🎥 Nice job. The desert 🏜️ made it even more scary...brings an apocalyptic death feeling to the table. I'd love to see a sequel.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! 😊 It was a challenge to shoot in the desert, but fun!

[@deadahead2604]

Is there really grown men that can’t change a flat?

[@daylook7551]

Great film can I ask what u filmed this on

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Yeah, no problem. We shot with the Amira and a few vintage Cooke lenses (at least I believe those were the lenses). I’d need to double check with the D.P.

[@crystalclarity6766]

So, a fully capable man who can’t swap out a flat tire? That was largely unheard of when I grew up. What has happened to people who seem so clueless even with simple tasks?

[@progresssivefaith1661]

Καταπληκτική δουλειά!!!

[@sandravirginia9550]

Sensacional! Parabéns! 👏🇧🇷

[@anonymity1003]

I loved it.

[@MisterG2323]

Entertaining take on the shapeshifter trope, decent script well acted and shot. Wouldn't mind seeing it expanded upon. Kudos to all involved.

[@skanesfilms]

Appreciate that!!! 🙏

[@douglas9607]

Yummy. Thank you for posting. def sub/likie

[@jakemyron3276]

This was really good! Have you thought about submitting it to alter’s page? This changeling portrayal is way better than any of theirs

[@skanesfilms]

Appreciate it! I actually haven’t thought about submitting to Alter, but perhaps I will. Thank you! Good idea!

[@jakemyron3276]

@@skanesfilmsI’m not in any way associated with them, but could be a way to get more views on this masterpiece

[@brianshaner8865]

I absolutely agree…submit to Alter. This needs more views. It was fucking fantastic.

[@Buuuuuunny]

@@skanesfilms Alsoo absolutely agree, This is a masterpiece that deserves more Attention and support , Loooved everything , from the incredible nice cinematic, the Acting *Chefs kiss*, The Build in Humor^^- to the building up of the story/plot, loved that little detail in the beginning where The Tv News mentions the Murder of a woman(caitlyn) wich i guess was the shapeshifters victim before him bc it introduced its self as kate, understandable that it has to find a new target whos Death they can hide bc Caitlyn was known to be murderd, aaaah its just so goood and makes one really edged about the ongoing of the story

[@kennedyfilmes]

Já vou direto no LIKE, Meus parabéns pelo filme, ficou sensacional.

[@alann-rk6oc]

Não entendi nada do filme, dei like pelas atuações, pode me explicar?

[@joagate3259]

This is excellent

[@manojswain5209]

Excellent

[@dolorosaenigmakil]

Subvert expectations! Love this mate! Keep it up 👌🏾

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! That was the goal!

[@user-bv5ku6ko8t]

I 💬 you're doing good,best of luck

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@latoshaadams3828]

He don't no how to change a tire wow

[@professord1522]

Given the geographic context, I'm thinking the shapeshifter is more likely to be a skinwalker from Native American lore than an alien or fey changeling.

[@IdaRamirez-ch5ds]

Good job 😮 i loved the ending and they ghost are not real 👻 hope to see more

[@tabitham3581]

Wow that plot twist tho 😮

[@cobbetlprogrammer1344]

So this creature's a shapeshifter? It buried the real guy and morphed into him as well. Cool.

[@skanesfilms]

🥸🫠

[@tomirvin1038]

Spoiler Alert

[@jerichothirteen1134]

Well I no point in watching it now. Spoilers in the top comment..gotta love it.

[@cobbetlprogrammer1344]

@@jerichothirteen1134 Too Bad for you!

[@jerichothirteen1134]

@cobbetlprogrammer1344 well if I wanted to know what an asswipe thinks, I would have asked you.

[@robertjudy9135]

Thrilling story. Great job.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@lacecox8920]

Now that was good did not see that coming

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!!!

[@Vegan_botanicals]

loved the plot twist, well done to everyone involved.

[@skanesfilms]

Appreciate it! Thank you!

[@kevettenoel3207]

The acting is very convincing!! Love the score!! Great plot!! I likey alot!!!

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@flamindigo]

good acting, good shooting, good score, lame story

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! I’m not the best writer, so glad everything else worked. The next one in post is way better because I partnered with a dope horror writer.

[@kevettenoel3207]

@@flamindigo hey watch out we got a Hollywood critic on the comments 🤔😳🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kevettenoel3207]

@@skanesfilms you're a GREAT WRITER!! 👍🏾

[@loveland2556]

Nooooo I want more!!!👍👏👏🫶

[@user-xl6jp6qc6m]

Simplesmente maravilhoso 😮👏👏👏👏🙀 parabéns ao diretor e aos envolvidos 👏👏

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@user-xl6jp6qc6m]

@@skanesfilms oww,o Brasil te ama 💞

[@gigman666]

Good Job....Really enjoyed this

[@skanesfilms]

Glad to hear it!

[@lynneymassey2855]

Good movie 😊

[@sofiafungayi4603]

That car isnt meant for dirt road

[@skanesfilms]

Completely agree! 😂 we didn’t have many options when we shot this so we used my car. But it worked out and I love the color contrast in the blue and orange desert we got from it.

[@judithbergmans2142]

Great

[@playa33]

Make me think of the twilight zone. The serie from the 60/70’s

[@Really_is_all_about_the_Bass]

Great work!!!

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!

[@pommydiva1]

im confused. why did she strip. then next scene hes getting dressed. aaaagh, someone else wrote she was a shape shifter ?? i think it needed a "little bit more info" as to what was going on

[@skanesfilms]

To avoid costly prosthetics, we discussed removing the clothes in a way that felt like removing a layer of skin. Probably could’ve shot that better to make it clear 🤷‍♂️ but yes, they are a shapeshifter.

[@christimason1826]

I almost thought he picked up a hooker and buried her at the end. That’s why the wedding ring was in the pocket. Wanted you to think shape shifter, but really he was a serial killer…?

[@EM-mw2qr]

I'd like to shift my shape for hers.

[@mikesampaga8554]

Shape shifters 😮

[@MikeIn4D]

GREAT WORK!!!!!

[@skanesfilms]

Thanks!!

[@NotStarskiwars]

So much creativity out in the world and theres mf 8 fast and furious. This was awesome.

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you!!!

[@geoffc376]

Well Done! 💯

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! 😊

[@DarkTanyTV]

Likes from Brasil ❤

[@jose_zx]

you are from refugio cult by lucas all raity??

[@jose_zx]

entendi porra nenhuma desse curta skkdkssksks e tu

[@Bibulous.]

It's wasn't that scary,but it was a definitely interesting,i would like to know why she transformed into him,but for short movie it looks really good,very qualitatively made movie

[@skanesfilms]

Thank you! Yeah, it wasn’t intended to be truly scary and more of a misdirection by switching genres from what appears to be a typical drama to more of a thriller/ sci-fi story. I left the ending sort of unexplained to possibly explore later, but I think she’s in hiding.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

This was awesome