Horror Short Film "Penumbra" | ALTER

[@darda2449]

This could be an allegory for mental illness, in a way. But as straight-up horror/fantasy, it works very well, and on several levels. The horror of separation-both physically and emotionally-from a loved one, and of the fragmenting of a mind; the horror of the unknown, the unexplained, with the fear of following where another has surely slipped into a strangeness beyond understanding, and sanity. Mr. Byers... This was a satisfying short film.

[@observationsfromthefencepo7207]

Nice call on the Mental Illness allegory. There is a fine line between mental illness and horror.

[@SeeMeRolling]

Love your interpretation!

[@darda2449]

@@observationsfromthefencepo7207 Thank you. And I've walked that one before...

[@darda2449]

@@SeeMeRolling Thank you!

[@sarahrivero14]

I completely agree with your insight. For me, it showed how trauma and post traumatic stress can be passed on. Initially, you see that the sister is suicidal and afraid of a dark entity. This can be the manifestation of her depression or her "demon" if you will. Inevitably she floats out of the sister's reach, who is close to but unable to save her. At the end she is left on solid ground carrying the weight of the fear and pain her sister left behind. We see this as she holds her sister's journal. This was brilliant.

[@fraternoman9579]

Penumbra is one of my favourite words, and was the name of my high school metal band, so I had to give this one a go. The movie is fantastic: the ladies carried the story beautifully, the scares worked well ... but what made the movie so immersive for me was the gorgeous score and the incredible camera work and lighting. Well done to all involved. I'm eager to see more.

[@Hereandlearning]

This was fantastic, the atmosphere, camera angles and special effects simply stellar! Enjoyed every minute thank you!! Hope to see more from you

[@danielbyers]

Thanks Priscilla!

[@dominickscalpi5686]

I honestly thought the journal was going to be blank when she opened it at the end. When her sister disappeared in the sky it looked like a giant ink blot pouring from the place she disappeared. Obviously I was wrong lol I didn't expect her to become basically possessed and being forced to write in the journal.

[@daygarrett5833]

She took her place her place she had on the same outfit and all

[@xTRich78x]

Of the hundreds of short horror videos that I have seen on YT, it’s this one I find to be truly the scariest of them all.

[@observationsfromthefencepo7207]

This was a superb horror short. It has a Lovecraft feel as there is something sinister lurking right under the threshold of reality and rooted in an evil darkness. Perfect title for the work too. Shadows will always be a staple of horror and this one delivered. I was surprised with the gravity and floating angle and the scenes in this area looked good. Very impressive for a short film. You felt for Fay and Dory and Fay's sacrifice felt genuine and seeing whatever the penumbra is return for Dory delivered the goosebumps. Always good to see vinyl and music worked into a story. The "come inside" and locking Dory out was in my opinion a fear reaction by Fay. I did laugh at it though. I believe in positive reviews and this one was earned. Short films are never an easy endeavor and therefore many thanks and great job to director, cast and crew. Peace.

[@danielbyers]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@simonl4523]

Someone commented below that this could be an allegory for mental illness. But I wonder if, in the real world, we use metal illness itself as an allegory for things that we are afraid of, or find too difficult to look at? (I ask that from the experience that I have every day to contend with being mentally unwell). I liked the movie, the scene where you have people floating before the night sky was really ambitious, it must have been a particularly hard scene to pull off technically. Using a journal to depict a slow descent into madness over time is I suppose a bit of a cliche in the medium of film, as it is such a difficult thing to do in a single scene, but it was done so well that it was really effective in building up the horror vibe. Thank you for all the work and love that went into doing this, and thank you for making it available on Alter so that we get the chance to see your work. 😊

[@jeusgarcia8597]

*BEST COMMENT ON THIS THREAD*

[@WhiteLiteBarbie]

Plz don't discount mental illness. It's definitely something most ppl don't understand, and it's real. Not due to "dark spirits" in a literal sense; due to dark spirits in a more abstract sense.

[@northernhighlandmist1478]

Great acting, composition, special effects, and story telling for a short! This so worth a full length movie!

[@paullevine1813]

Very Lovecraftian & as most Alter Films this leaves you to interpret it in many ways. As most of Lovecraft's Elder Gods live in that realm of the universe it wasn't a surprise to the last part of the film goes there. For me this was one of many elder gods or old ones just looking for evil. Got it's wish .. Just my way of looking at the film. A nice twist from the rip your face off slasher shorts where either the person is possessed by something & kills for fun ,no gore often gives you more creeps than a slashed throat . More a Cosmic Horror short than straight up one. Great short !!! Love the ending as it begins all over for her sister. As we understand the term Penumbra i believe all the meanings apply here.

[@edyak6280]

Pretty cool this one. Intriguing, and great performances from both actors too. Congratulations to all involved.

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

I think I was going to watch this when it first came out but I was so busy catching up that I got so tired and paused watching it. Now it's 5 months later and I am once again catching up on ALTER. This was fantastic. Sad but fantastic. The protection sisters give each other is something that is relatable to me and appreciated by me.

[@clarkwilson711]

OMG!! This was such a great horror short. It was a very terrifying and the plot was epic. I hope this story makes a part 2. Im addicted to alter films. Bravo to the sister and director. Please make more

[@a.m.pietroschek1972]

Refreshing, when people don't allow `low budget´ to impair their creativity. I think, horror in all subgenres needs more of that.

[@MisterG2323]

Caught this when it first hit on Dust. Liked it then and like it just as much now; thanks for the encore. Quinn is an actor to keep an eye on

[@elombard39]

This was SO GOOD! I’d love to see more from you. Thank you for sharing….

[@areneowenaze]

Did anybody notice the heart shape the women's bodies created when they were by the swing?

[@eyecyu2399]

Timestamp?

[@jamesmorgan1063]

An eerie twist emulating "Fire on the mountain" and the abduction scenario.

[@kristynash1042]

Love that movie!! So good!

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

What a beauty. Magnificent short film.

[@GeekChicPolitiq]

This definitely has potential to be a feature length film.

[@MalkuthSephira]

and now it's Dori's turn to not be believed. oof. really excellent short! great concept, great acting, great effects. the performances specifically are incredibly vivid, too. i feel like i know a lot more about both sisters than is ever actually said, just from expressions, gestures, etc. thank you for making something awesome

[@calowenby1654]

I liked this quite a bit! Some of the effects were a little off imo but the execution of the story was fantastic, and I loved the ending.

[@durasaxon5131]

Excellent effects. Well done. Scary. The bond between sisters. Strength. Love. Fear. The Paranormal. Reality? Abduction. Unbelievable. Aftermath. Well presented production. + Durasaxon +

[@abubaseet]

Far, far better than your average horror short.

[@RainbowTheSnail]

The name reminded me of the game. Great horror short 🌸💗🌸

[@morphean2438]

How did she fall that distance and not have her back broke at the very least?

[@MisterG2323]

I think the suggestion was that she was lowered, rather than fell.

[@tomwitherby4348]

Movie magic 😁

[@doriancarnesi1727]

Brilliant acting****effects***sound***should be a full length movie ****superb❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@fallen_star977]

This was a masterpiece.

[@danielbyers]

🙏🙏

[@detrajackson5992]

Whew! That singing!! I could have done without!She had my ears jumping!😱

[@DanBCooper]

Actresses were outstanding. Short was very different from the norm, really enjoyed it.

[@Trreacherous]

Honestly, these actors did a great job.

[@trionfreeman3935]

This HAS to be a full movie!!! Phenomenal!!!

[@Mirko-tl2ed]

Is this your first time watching a movie?

[@000aleph]

Very immersive, with some very special elements. I like it!

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

Also that dark thing is rude. Fay told it it could not have Dory but did it listen? No!

[@dylanprince410]

Always excited to see a new video!

[@jinx17]

that shot of them against the night sky was so beautiful i had to watch that scene twice

[@datastorm75]

A rotary phone?

[@denisesudell2538]

My mom had a rotary phone until around 2016.

[@sidharthsahoo8325]

i think this is a general problem with younger siblings that they don't pay heed to their elders and the elder sibling saving their lives in their last moments

[@marijazlatanovic1391]

Not with my most beloved sister and me.

[@gheata_playz874]

@@marijazlatanovic1391 at least you actually have a bond with your sister

[@marijazlatanovic1391]

@@gheata_playz874 yes. Unbreakable.

[@shortvlogs276]

Hello my good friend so beautiful video thanks for sharing stay safe always full support ✅❤️🔔👍❤️❤️

[@lourdesroman5186]

If the rope went all the way up into the sky then how did she not hit the ground seeing that the porch was only about 10 feet?

[@Syrphe]

At the beginning, we can hear the vinyl crackles before the needle touches the record...

[@lucieblindner2513]

Wow! This was AMAZING! ALTER is getting better and better! Keep it up!

[@raisedbywolf]

I swear I've seen the same movie in Sci - fi genre. Probably on DUST channel.

[@danielbyers]

Yes it was on Dust previously, they just launched on Alter as well :)

[@melancolielupine2023]

This film was so good that I had to replay it a second time. And it tells a lot

[@CheeryCinccino]

This was pretty good :3 It would be cool to see a compilation of deaths throughout Alter’s films btw

[@jomontanee]

Fantastic idea!!

[@shuga1313]

The heart they created @12:43 ..... Once you see it .....

[@Mahuoqy]

Excellent Perception genius

[@mareir]

Loved both actresses, really well done. Her back would have snapped like a Slim Jim from that height.

[@ptehehehe]

a wholedamn masterpiece

[@dablakmark8]

how the hell can you leave us like this.....hanging, this is so damn good.I want a full 90 minute short please.Everything from production t osound to light and location is balissomo.

[@RubabJaffery_CuteSagittarius]

*90 minute short!* 😄

[@gheata_playz874]

"short"

[@alexandrehventura]

Simplesmente perfeito.

[@stanlee69]

where is she? Gone!!! Reduced to atoms

[@coartramey7382]

I'm not saying it's aliens, but...

[@danielbyers]

Whaaat?

[@tanrose8645]

WOWEEEEEEEEEE! 👏🏻👏🏻🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏼‍♀️ THIS was GREAT❣️👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🌹 This should be made into a movie!🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 Blessings to you and your viewers~ Have a great day🌹 🌛🌹🌜

[@curiousaustriantours6962]

Incredible film - bravo!

[@backlottpictures4929]

This was amazing!!

[@SUNFlower-tt9zv]

The most bizarre thing was she was shouting in the corridor asking demon to leave .how stupid at times of fears one wants to keep quite...

[@salehaharun315]

The last part seems like somthing controlling her hand. By the looks of her face

[@TheSnatchbuckler]

This was well on it's way to being the absolute best thing I've seen on Alter in a very, very long time. Was.

[@suevans6436]

superb acting

[@dragonprincehehehee]

Oh..

[@recoveringmytruth8162]

Homage to H. P. Lovecraft

[@katiestall2201]

Very well done 👍

[@bluerainwalker5463]

wow great loved it want more of this story sp many ways it could go

[@CattleDog2856]

So good!!!!!

[@Krishabh_Agrawal]

Amazing

[@belalugosidead]

Can someone please offer me a theory or explanation on this..?

[@ScottNormanRosenthal]

Also my question.

[@xain86k70]

This felt a lot like The Knowing to me.

[@michellemccloy365]

I'm not getting it either. Something to do with mental illness maybe?

[@ScottNormanRosenthal]

@@michellemccloy365 Maybe there was only one person? Never a "sister".

[@rahulchandrance3064]

Very nice❤️

[@angeliki5104]

Bravissimi !!!!!

[@welder878]

Another one so bad they use black screen so you can't see anything Just listen.

[@mariajulien-harris146]

Well done

[@LSBraham]

The actress playing Dori…is she giving anyone else Debra Winger vibes!? …Wow!

[@bostonreese4807]

This was really good

[@origami83]

Nice to see some actual horror instead of the drama/allegory videos of late.

[@7wayOrNoWay]

Pen-umbra..... yall get it

[@donnaflowers1994]

AWESOME, THANK U.

[@rockydavis94]

So what happened to Fay? I don't like how these short films end with inconclusive endings for other people without revealing their fate.

[@oldschool8432]

Another one where the cameraman forgot to take the lens cover off

[@danielwagman9794]

I had a black screen too at first-- I have no idea why-- but I futzed around with the slide touch ff/rev with inset picture, and then the picture appeared normally, even back to the beginning. So,,,try again! 😁

[@tamankebondalem]

I love how intense this is. So frightening.

[@TheSemtis]

What happen to her at the end?

[@cynthiapalmer6176]

very nice 👍🏼😃

[@jeusgarcia8597]

*IT WAS ALWAYS JUST HER, ALONE.*

[@Penumbrasite]

Heh….. that’s the name of my channel lol..

[@mentalhealthpoet]

Who did the drawings?

[@SullyBrabants]

Someone please tell me what the name of the song is, it haunts me !

[@TerriblyNoob]

Alternate Title : If Fly me to he moon was taken too seriously😂

[@simmiroka1829]

Does that book cursed???

[@bensweiss]

Too bad the first sister's desire did not play out.

[@anthonysanderson6533]

Great flim too bad there's no part too

[@christinaegbert3651]

I need more I want more

[@anthonysanderson6533]

I enjoyed it

[@sauletto1]

Excellence !

[@PikaPikaZoo]

I like it

[@ScottNormanRosenthal]

What actually happened?

[@williamtaube5500]

banger

[@monkeypooh9014]

🔥 Pure 🔥

[@ricardoat6671]

[@JULIASMITH-eg9kp]

❤😮 0:12

[@Heg2501]

ok

[@kunaldev1257]

Why all the houses in horror movies r isolated

[@gheata_playz874]

theres a character in villainous called penumbra

[@tkell31]

Was there really a sister at all?