Horror Short Film "Dead Hearts" | ALTER

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A young mortician learns that not even death can stand in the way of true love. A whimsical, gothic bedtime story filled with love, loss, taxidermy, Kung Fu, and biker werewolves.
"Dead Hearts" by Stephen W. Martin
#ALTER #horror #shortfilm
Connect with the Filmmakers:
www.Stephen-W-Martin.com
/ stephenwmartin
/ stephen_w_m
www.DEADHEARTSSHORT.COM
Stephen W. Martin is currently a writer on the Netflix animated series ‘Trash Truck’, he has also written for Frederator studios’ ‘Bravest Warriors.’ Stephen is also the author of The Trouble with Time Travel (Owl Kids 2019), ‘Stewart’s Best Pen,' (Clarion Books 2018), ‘Charlotte and the Rock’ (Penguin Random House (2017), and ‘Fluffy Mcwhiskers - Cuteness explosion!’ (Simon and Shuster 2021), a book about a little cat that’s so cute if you look at it… you explode!
More About "Dead Hearts" :
"Dead Hearts" Credits
Stephen W. Martin ... Writer Director Producer
Alex Glua - Producer
Valin Shinyei ... Milton Mulberry
Dalila Bela ... Lola Littleton
Nancy Bell ... Old Lola Littleton
Anthony Dodd ... Old Harold Henderson
Thomas Orr-Loney ... Old Milton Mulberry
Narrator - Don Mccorkindale
Cinematography by Sean Cox
Composer - Luke Moore
Edited by Megan Bodaly
Production Design - Tony Devenyi
Costume Design - Sarah Steeves
Caitlin Groves ... key makeup artist
Linh Pham ... key animator
About ALTER:
The most provocative minds in horror bring you three new short films every week exploring the human condition through warped and uncanny perspectives.
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Video Title
/ watchalter

[@SWMartin]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support!!! It really means a lot ❤️❤️❤️

[@arwanrhys5186]

Mr. Martin, This film was heart touching, and perfect. Outstanding work by cast and crew to bring this wonderful tale to life. Thankye muchly. Cheers

[@SWMartin]

@@arwanrhys5186 thank you for watching it❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@imherebunny]

I really 🥰 really 🥰 loved this film 🙃

[@SWMartin]

@@imherebunny thank you!!!

[@noors4327]

Thank you, Stephen. Indeed, it was a nice short movie and worth watching. Everyone behind it, did a great job! Best of luck for future projects!

[@Ocelot4R]

"Harold Henderson at 81 was still an asshole" 😂

[@srinivasshegde5709]

The 81st like is mine 🤣

[@WhatThePolitics]

That's a legendary line

[@arielplays5629]

Betcha ya right

[@kellyberry4173]

😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣

[@yazzythecattyweirdo188]

*W H E E Z E*

[@sophial.6633]

If Wes Anderson and Tim Burton wanted a child and used Quentin Tarantino as the surrogate that baby would be this film. Brilliant and morbidly beautiful. I absolutely loved everything about this.

[@Metalsaurusb]

I immediately thought the same! Lol!

[@otterpoet]

I was about to say Wes Anderson and George Romero had a kid, but like your comparison better XD

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

Sophia L, BEST description ever for this film.

[@WatchALTER]

SPOT ON!!! Love these comparisons. Thanks for watching!

[@chriscarnage90]

Perfect!

[@KuroNekoji]

"Love was blind...for Milton this was true" I love how those dark jokes just fit the entire short film so well

[@Caeljharden]

This is the most whimsical short horror film I’ve ever seen and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself

[@WatchALTER]

We agree. Thanks for watching!

[@joemother5908]

Agreed

[@chandramathemedico]

Agreed

[@samhithabulusu6743]

I too agreed ❤️❤️❤️💖💖

[@samhithabulusu6743]

@@WatchALTER This is the most perfect, beautiful , excellent story in Alter 💖💖💖💖💖🤩🤩

[@n3m1g3n4]

“The road was long but surprisingly animated.” I died. 🤣🤣🤣

[@RRRR-xg8to]

😂😂😂

[@zenokarlsbach4292]

How romantic.

[@cassrose7796]

I replayed it several times cause I thought that was what he said, but I wasn't sure 😂

[@earlyinthemorningoldkids4844]

Oh wow the dude was right we all die u EVEN DIE

[@alexandraelma]

HAHAHAHAHHAHAA LOL SAME 🤣

[@mjchu1018]

The moment a mortician and a corpse-loving girl is having a better romantic relationship than you...

[@WatchALTER]

Serving us the harsh truth. They have such a special relationship!

[@syndronal4368]

OKAY I DID NOT NEED TO BE CALLED OUT TODAY

[@misterminutes4504]

A love that has death in it is the best kind of love. I don't make the rules. ehem ehem Morticia and Gomez ehem ehem.

[@bullshitname6657]

You just roasted most of us so hard that I might take a radio in the bath tube XD

[@pmabhande]

Story of my love life right now

[@dripstar6183]

Loved the alliteration with the names: Milton Mulberry Harold Henderson Lola Littleton 😂

[@somewhatsovietclips5441]

I didnt even realize

[@roastedbraincells6303]

This absolutely made my day Wasn't cringy Wasn't attention seeking Wasn't too gore Just a perfect cute way of describing true love

[@nuka9841]

The moral of the story: nothing can stop love not even Death.

[@yazzythecattyweirdo188]

Nezuko! =^-^=

[@Mopantsu]

This was the best thing I have seen for a LOOOOOONG time! Absolutely brilliant! I hope the creators get to make an entire movie!

[@WatchALTER]

We can't wait to see what he creates next. We know he's working on a children's book. Make sure to follow Stephen on socials linked in the description above!

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

Me too!

[@kawaiistar248]

Imagine having the level of patience that'harold' guy had to chase the girl for 73 years

[@jshelton100]

PEOPLE: The Notebook is the most romantic film of all time. STEPHEN MARTIN: Hold my beer.

[@SWMartin]

hahaha - love that :)

[@ruthymariecleator9298]

@@SWMartin this was amaazing!can't wait to see more of your work!

[@theTrend7]

🤣😂🤣😂😂😂Truth!!

[@rudewayz1413]

I LOVE THE NOTEBOOK MOVIE TOO

[@noors4327]

This short has its own blend of horror and humor, thanks in part to a fittingly creepy and plenty of visual style with standout performances by the lead child and other young cast. A sad and at the same time hilariously shrill exploration of the bizarre and deadly side of a Mortician. A slicky crafted horror or thriller with some surprising comic twists and turns. Cast wise, All of them did a very good job. The best thing about this movie is that it lacks the blood, gore and violence but still you can feel sick by the events in the movie and it will disgust you for sure. The decent into madness for love depicted here is powerfully dramatic and quite intense. A realistic view of trauma inflicted Mortician becoming complete madness. A good movie to watch. Well done makers and all behind it and thanks to ALTER.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

Noor S I've grown quite fond of reading your film reviews/analysis after an ALTER feature. It's like stopping for ice cream after a night on the town.

[@princessjen03]

But alas it did have some violence and gore, although not too much, just the right amount I think... The rest of your review was perfect 😊

[@nightreaper666]

It had some violence in it though and a little gore

[@caramelfox3990]

The most deadly and villainous eight-year-olds that’s my favorite line

[@kabayoniko]

I didn't ask for wholesome content, I ask for horror. Yet, horror channel teaches us the importance of love and it is all good. ♥️

[@1bossofbosses]

This was actually sad but funny at the same time.

[@louisianaboyjames2660]

What a beautiful and fascinating short. I even saw this on Crypt TV. I was clapping my hands when Lola came to her friend's rescue. Those bikers got what was coming to them. They were the villains. I loved the friendship between Lola and Milton. It was so satisfying to see.

[@WatchALTER]

Lola and Milton have such a warm and loving relationship. It's great to see pure and UNDYING love on screen. Thanks for watching!

[@louisianaboyjames2660]

@@WatchALTER No problem, ALTER.

[@xamalion7334]

This is screaming Wes Anderson at me, and I love it. The kid actors are great, the score is perfect, the production value phenomenal. Why does this not have more views?

[@aarond1622]

Blind girl: "She would never see Milton for the rest of his life." Rest of the world: Duh. She's BLIND.

[@gomezgomez9665]

Oh my God!! That was bloody brilliant in a million ways!! Cried laughing and cried and laughed

[@WatchALTER]

This film calls for: a laugh, a cry. Repeat.

[@gomezgomez9665]

@@WatchALTER awe it really was amazing!! I loved the narration, positively perfect!!!..🪐🌕🌙

[@TheLegendHimselfClan]

Wow. This is my first time seeing an Alter video on release. I've been binging these nonstop and just about all of them are beyond excellent, and this one is no exception. I loved the animations, the music, the narration, and of course the story, scary or not. What a great video. Thanks Alter.

[@SWMartin]

@@mikaro6528 I appreciate if you didn’t say that - it’s not true

[@WatchALTER]

Thank you for the thoughtful review. Welcome to the family and we hope you stay ALTERed!

[@LexxAKonn]

While it is really good.. this is not a new release. This was released over four years ago on Screamfest.

[@gar7reever754]

Not a new video.

[@jaredlewis3001]

@@WatchALTER isn’t that crypt TVs video

[@RaineSophiaLewis]

This was utterly brilliant! I cried and laughed, so many emotions rolled into one. The actors were very good and I loved that in her 70's she could still do kung Fu. 💖

[@TravisLobsinger]

Why am I smiling and crying? I dont mind that I am... Just not usually he effect that watching a video on Alter has on me.

[@yourerightiamright.3709]

"True Love, is the most powerful force in nature." I Can't stop repeating this in my head and thinking how many ways this is true...

[@sereia825]

This was completely lovely, the dark humor mixed with death surrounding, turning death in something thats not bad in the story is such an excellent idea, and I absolutely loved the twist in the story thinking everything is going to end but it truly doesnt end, because they deserved to be happy

[@alexmorera1383]

Dead is never bad

[@blondiea1a]

I'm sorry, but that kid smoking: LMFAO!!! Great one, Alter!!!

[@SWMartin]

@@xxfairyxxuwu7722 it’s actually mine :) Alter and both Crypt and amazing - and we are beyond happy to be working with both amazing platforms

[@xxfairyxxuwu7722]

@@SWMartin ohhh ok i see 😂

[@gaymerkitty6240]

What's so great about it? Kids shouldn't smoke, and those kids are too young to be in a relationship.

[@soyboi6979]

@@gaymerkitty6240 they are probably herbal cigarettes. Which look and smoke like cigarettes but are 100% safe and harmless you don't even inhale with them. Alot of child actors use those. Also it's a story relax. Ffs

[@sen5295]

"Lola will never see Milton again for the rest of his life" I see what you did there

[@alexisfisher1627]

She couldn't see him in the first place lol

[@colonelhermesl.1710]

Excellent! Not only the story is both sad and cute, funny, playing with a big old truth... Also the music was awesome and always on point! I loved the "dark cabaret" atmosphere

[@horror_queen9185]

My heart feels dead inside.

[@lukaskubinec9608]

Go looking for the one who stole it 😁

[@SourceAwareness]

*It's ALTER time, baby!* ☮️

[@WatchALTER]

Thanks for staying ALTERed!

[@MissTique247]

5:23: The film is not quite halfway through but I felt compelled to jump down here and say *I THINK IT'S FABULOUS!! * ✨💁💖🙆✨

[@loveless143]

Funnest part was that everyone was so old but never once married (ʘᗩʘ’)

[@keyanatinae]

My partner put me onto alter on Facebook and now I’ve found their KZbin channel. Fuck yes. One of my favorite ones 🥰

[@reneebrady8389]

I saw this short years ago and forgot how charming it was! Thank you Alter for reminding me!! 💗

[@AssToucher]

It came out like 10 hours ago tho.

[@josephrose2799]

@@AssToucher It came out in 2014

[@reneebrady8389]

@@AssToucher the people who actually created the vid had it posted on their site and I think it was on Crypt TV as well..Alter doesn't actually make the shorts they show, they give a platform for individuals who make shorts to get to a wider audience.

[@AssToucher]

@@reneebrady8389 oh.

[@AssToucher]

@Judgement Kazzy yes, ive been informed of this twice before now, thanks.

[@moralesalikhan920]

Omg I just finished re-watching ‘Anne with an ‘E’’ and seeing Dalila here as a different person is kind of refreshing hahahahahaha

[@jancavelli]

Wow love,life and death are really something from an other dimension

[@RainbowTheSnail]

I feel like I have watched this before a long time ago

[@ophisnephele3962]

Yeah, i thought the same thing

[@manthamarie6147]

Because it's on Crypt TV

[@manthamarie6147]

Posted two years ago

[@ianis7133]

CryptTV

[@ravitmishraa]

On crypt tv

[@nubiafraga8517]

I can’t believe I got so sad over a heartless zombie having his heart broken, and so happy over two old zombies having a happy ending! This is so great! Genius! 🖤

[@victoriabarendregt9997]

Just like ,when was your first kiss oh it was at a school dance ,asks the quiet kid ,and yours "oh over a dead body " literally 😂

[@princessjen03]

This short horror video had it all..... suspense, action, comedy, romance, gore and a narrator with a lovely british accent... Bravo! I loved it! By far my new favorite alter video! Thank you! 😍

[@AmnaelUchiha]

This was on Crypt TV November 2nd of 2018. Not sure if this just got submitted twice but didn't expect to see it again on Alter.

[@dewey7958]

Major "Pushing Daisies"/Ned and Chuck vibes. Not that this is bad. In fact, it's awesome!

[@otterpoet]

That was perfection in every aspect of the word.

[@WatchALTER]

We're glad you enjoyed! Make sure to follow the filmmaker, Stephen W. Martin, to keep up with what's next. His socials are in the description above.

[@oicuff1635]

I could not agree more.

[@lalareeves1941]

This was that most sweet morbid short film I've ever seen lol 😂 I loved it! 👏👏👏

[@bsfbestshortfilmsonyoutube]

My eyes welled up with tears such a poetical film. Very well done x

[@TexasAggie97]

What a beautiful horror love story! I often tell my wife that when I die, I'll come back and haunt her.

[@jaclynperez2172]

Sweetest Zombie Love Story in the History of Zombie Love Stories Ever 💙

[@prachithakur9915]

I wanna thank the director and the whole team for this short movie ...such a beautiful story ..I am speechless ...”Milton N Lola” true love remains forever ❤️

[@ilovebeansOO]

This was my absolute FAVORITE. I love it so much what an amazing story.

[@marianamarin4555]

This is the pure work of a genius.

[@Millwall42]

.... Lola would never see Milton again... For the rest of his life.. Ha!

[@leorantanen6470]

Such a sweetheart lovestory...just before Valentin.

[@plantern4590]

"Harold Hinderson at 81 was still an asshole" oml

[@imherebunny]

True love is the most powerful force in nature. A force that can rip flesh from bones and tear out a man's heart. It's the only thing worth fighting for... It's the only thing worth dying for. 💞

[@tobyeasterbrook8117]

This is honestly the best thing I've seen on KZbin in a long time Harold Henderson: "Why isn't she falling for my charms?" Also Harold Henderson: *attempts to wink at a blind person*

[@JOBRAIL1]

I have seen this movie twice before and still love it every time. Job well done.

[@TheBartolomeus00]

I wish I could give it a like twice. That's just masterpiece!

[@srithasatya7344]

ngl this is art I love it, props to the director, cast and crew for making something so unique

[@paullevine1813]

See even ALTER has a soft spot & just as in this wonderful tale it is loved. This was a a masterpiece .

[@bananaman-we1xs]

How, just how does alter always bring the bangers.....

[@andresrodriguez3708]

THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL, ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS...i LOVED IT

[@edenamebellg]

This deserves more attention😢😢 I totally love this story..It should be a movie❤❤

[@observationsfromthefencepo7207]

There is an old Hollywood adage that I have never bought into. It says you should not work with kids or animals. The kids in this film are fantastic and were a joy to watch. It has that great balance of comedy and a nice moving story. The whole style and feel from this work was very unique. Narrator's can be risky but this one was perfect. Very well done and a salute to all involved.

[@mike85359]

‘Up’: the sequel

[@kimberlywells5173]

Alter you have done it again!!!! That was mind blowing!!! I always deserve to be disturbed by you Alter. I am forever ALterd.............

[@roxybrooks6937]

THE best horror short I've ever seen. This absolutely deserves to be a feature film !!

[@brotheraracon3646]

This isn't horror this a wholesome love story 200 frames of disturbing material I'm not complaining

[@MissTique247]

Hehehe... It's a love story at *"heart"!* ❤️ (Pun intended 😉) This was just delightful! Lola kicked some serious ass! All in the name of love! Just loved it! And it seems like a great way to introduce our children to the horror genre! "An Introduction to Horror: #101" LMAO! 😂😆😁

[@WatchALTER]

Lola is such a badass character. Their relationship is so refreshing and warm. We love whimsical horror that mixes genres. Yay for happy ending every once in awhile!

[@tina-jp1gy]

shes a whole baddie

[@Helmy___]

This story is just way too cute. I love it. Thank you Stephen W. Martin!

[@taylorgletscher]

That description... Now I'm thrilled to watch this. Edit: Not what I was expecting. Much better. Loved the first half with the kid's story, double joy with the action scene with the elderly ones. Edit 2: That literal definition of love going to the ending, it's so poetic in so many levels.

[@ekanshtyagi528]

This is also a crypt tv movie lol

[@WatchALTER]

Crypt TV featured the film a couple of years back, but we wanted to make sure Stephen W. Martin gets as large as an audience possible for his amazing film. Crypt TV & ALTER are both short film distributors/platforms for directors. We host so many exceptional filmmaker's work! Thanks for watching.

[@legoladproductions3343]

This is so sad Alexa play despasito

[@lizgonzalez7652]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sumita17]

This short film should reach millions

[@79pinupgirl]

Tears with my morning coffee. Thank you for this beautiful little story.

[@manthamarie6147]

Dude... this is on Crypt TV It was posted two years ago.

[@anarchyte]

yea wtf

[@jodhod1498]

Crypt TV and Alter do not make the movies. They just show them

[@SWMartin]

@@manthamarie6147 hi this is Stephen W. Martin here - actually I paid for the film myself with help from the BC arts council and kick starter - Crypt TV and Alter are both amazing!!! And they both showcased the film on their platform

[@manthamarie6147]

@@SWMartin alright, but why two years apart? I'm gonna be honest, it makes it look very sus, like there trying to take something from someone that everyone else kinda forgot about. I don't know if this is an insensitive question, but like... I'm a little confused.

[@SWMartin]

@@manthamarie6147 I only just submitted the film itself to Alter a few months ago :) these platforms help filmmakers showcase their work - and I’m sure they get thousands and thousands of submissions each and every day/month. We are just really lucky to be featured / lucky to work with them. As for the time gap - I’ve had a lot going on in my life so I only just submitted the film to Alter / I actually wrote children’s pictures book full time - feel free to check them out wherever books are sold :) Ps I have 2 really fun ones coming out this year - one is about a kitten who’s soooo cute if you look at it you explode ;)

[@1-9-8-3-]

Omg firstttt❤️

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

Lucky!!!!!

[@brooklynward4170]

how is this a horror short film. . .WHEN THIS VIDEO WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!?!?!?!? I LOVED THIS VIDEO!!!!!

[@RealBradMiller]

Not even a minute in, and I'm hooked.

[@SWMartin]

Ps I’ll be on here answering question, so feel free to shoot them at me :)

[@ainfarah4893]

No question, just wanted to thank you for the amazing story. I shed my tears watching the ending. Thank you for this meaningful video!

[@Pella.Cookies]

the film was great and brilliant but i was confused by the cigaratte , was it electronic, fake one or the real cigaratte ?

[@TomorrowNobody]

Weird. Not horror. Maybe make a second channel for videos like this. I wouldn't call this bad, but it's not the kind of content I'm subbed for.

[@caesarsalad493]

This feels like an early 2000’s punk/alternative rock music video and I love it

[@mountaindrewdew3263]

THIS WAS THE BEST ONE, YOU SHOULD MAKE MORE LIKE THIS

[@josephinev.catlady5182]

She couldn't wait to use that kung fu 👊 . The love is blind quote was brilliant

[@judymcgaugh6480]

Great story. Wished that they were together in the end just like it happened, made me smile...

[@lamario295]

I swear I never know what I'm gonna get watching Alter

[@orsolyaritter7292]

Finally something original. This boy is an amazing actor and it is an amazing short. Congratulations.

[@GGG-md3fo]

The most beautiful story I have ever seen! Love the story telling style, love the idea!

[@AlleyCryptid]

Hands down, my absolute favorite Alter I have ever had the pleasure of watching. Wonderful. Thank you.

[@AriiAniaismyname]

This still has to be one of my favorite "horror" shorts I've ever seen. It's so cute and sweet and has the slight creep factor, and is also hilarious

[@RenHay]

A mix of Tarantino and Tim Robbins! Splendid!

[@Thehappy_]

As whimsical as this is the story hit me in the most profound way and whilst smiling I felt just a little bit teary eyed...it’s just really lovely. It has a very Edward Gorey-esque feeling and like the Gashlycrumb Tinies the characters shine throughout their lives and deaths.

[@wakingohiomama9110]

So wonderfully dark and reminiscent of my own childhood. Loved it....I give it a 10!

[@electricmayhem1837]

Out of all the love stories I have heard and seen in my day this is by far The Best!

[@owlthepirate5997]

I love watching films that leave you with a smile, when there over! That left me feeling happy.. I hope to see more from these Artists, that worked so hard on this film!

[@constantreader4376]

This short started somewhere and ended up completely somewhere else and I loved every second of it! Great short movie! 👏🏻🥰

[@michaellyons5208]

One of the best I've ever seen on Alter. Perfect combo of genres and style. Bravo!

[@bubisorum8670]

This is the cutest short movie ever... Showing childhood and old phase only..... Awesome😍

[@rikicabral1979]

The best, the best, the best short movie of this year...