Horror Short Film “Souls of Totality” | ALTER

Set during the Great American Eclipse, this is a story about the sacrifices we make for love and the intensity of a looming moment that can change everything. This short Stars Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black") & Tom Cullen ("Downton Abbey").
"Souls of Totality" by Richard Raymond
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Horror Short Film “Souls of Totality” | ALTER
/ watchalter

[@WatchALTER]

Fun fact: the last scene was shot during an actual solar eclipse, giving the cast and crew only one chance to get the shot right.

[@Tasha.Bae1]

I could tell probably the one last year huh? I thought the eclipse was soo real looking...this is officially my favorite short

[@iamnumfive]

I got to go see that eclipse for real. It was awesome and I thought about it when watching this.

[@gomezgomez9665]

It wad very powerful,that explains all the energy and strange feelings it evoked x I loved it!!

[@armcollector6660]

ALTER that's actually pretty cool 😎 love u guys y'all totally made it happen, plz don't ever stop putting out GENUWINE MOVIES like all the ones u put out so far, lets get ALTERed!!!

[@abc123simond]

ALTER dope shit

[@lindaeubanks-mccormick2090]

She has a car... but she runs back. You know, because she's in a hurry.....

[@barbedwire4128]

Thats what ruined it for me. Loved the film but that part made zero sense.

[@anushribag6170]

hahaa!

[@POYSSI]

@@barbedwire4128 nothing about cults makes any sense

[@lernen.ohne.angst.official2737]

The car had a clogged fuel filter. That's my story and I'm sticking with it 😂

[@jwillingham88]

that part was painful to watch..

[@zorro11ification]

I don't understand how people here don't see the horror in this film: the horror in mass suicide, the horror in having to abandon the person you love! We have become immune to cult dying; it doesn't face us any longer. Very well done!

[@MightyJabroni]

"We have become immune to cult dying; it doesn't face us any longer." Depends on how you look at it. Shit like that is still happening, albeit in more subtle ways.

[@rageagainstmyhairline5574]

Two things: One - It doesn't 'faze' us any longer; Two - this is fantasy; the cult actually went through the doorway in the end, as referenced by the final shot. It's not a tragedy if their plan actually works. And believe me, I'm very much fazed by mass suicides. Anyone that listens to the Jonestown tape and isn't incredibly affected by it is a stone-cold sociopath.

[@ceciliaspears161]

I think it's because it's psychological in nature and can be missed as something truly horrific. The kind of horror that has actually happened (except for the whole it worked thing...).

[@MrMusic4676]

Well i wasn't impressed with this film and this is not what i call Horror, this is what i call a Thriller.

[@Stopstaring101]

Jose Carmona Yes! Just like we’ve become completely immune to mass shootings 🤷🏻‍♀️ It’s like, yeah, they’re HORRIBLE... but when I hear about them I’m not surprised anymore… Not even that shocked to be honest😣

[@rachaelgrain8803]

The two main characters are married in real life (Tom Cullen and Tatiana Maslany) :))

[@fonyterguson562]

Nope. Thad sandelf & he twerks abnormally. a cup held office when sandy crawls His gum & do down Waffle thaw rain, dear?

[@29films29]

they're not married lol

[@rachaelgrain8803]

prison villanelle oops😶

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

@@fonyterguson562 Wow, you are so edgey! Why cant I be you? Lol. Ya clown.

[@tecaarantes]

They do like they love each other!

[@strawberryindex]

This actually made me cry. Not sure if he was a dream or if he did survive at the end when she saw him there amongst the blankets. This really urked me since I just watched the Jamestown Massacre documentary a few weeks ago. Never underestimate the powers of persuasion. Horror certainly doesn't have to be blood and gore.

[@Smarion2]

Ummm, I'm pretty sure the car would have been faster than running. Just sayin. LOL! But, it definitely had a beautiful message. This should definitely be a movie.

[@MissTique247]

I was waiting to see someone say what I was thinking! It kept running through my head "You wouldn't be panting if you just drove the vehicle!" and "DAMN! Way too hot to be running like that when you coulda just drove!" LMAO!

[@Smarion2]

@@MissTique247 Omg right. 😂

[@jeromegreen3654]

Ikr

[@MissTique247]

@@Smarion2 not to mention that she coulda plowed right through those gates instead of climbing over them! 🤣 But, all kidding aside, it really is quite the love story. I've met the love of my life, but can honestly say I have never known a love THIS intense. And, now that I think about it, I don't think it's necessarily a good thing! I don't think it's a good thing to lose yourself for ANYONE! Kniw what I mean? THAT'S the scary part of this. To love so completely that YOU basically cease to exist.

[@Smarion2]

@@MissTique247 Omg right! Wow!

[@KeangoDLuke]

Tatiana is such a fantastic actress, my Lord. Her and Tom always work so well together too.Still remember that hilarious Orphan Black episode. 😂 And since they're a couple, everything feels even more genuine. It's beautiful.

[@WatchALTER]

They truly are a fantastic acting duo.

[@JAYTARRIQUE]

Snap! I knew I recognized her from Orphan Black haha. Thank you so much for confirming it for me. @ALTER This was an amazing Film. Thank you so much!!

[@KeangoDLuke]

@@LightandLove73 yep, which is why when she was looking through the bodies to find him, it had a profound hit on me. That and she really is a brilliant actress

[@abemcg3803]

Bust down, Tatiana...now let me see you direct a short XD

[@MrMusic4676]

Yes she is a great actress, you should watch her in the werewolf horror film Ginger snaps 2 if you haven't seen it, its one of the best werewolf film's. I own it on DVD, because i love the film.

[@mznaeture]

Awww her cries when she thought she lost her love was totally heartbreaking 💔 omg so glad he stayed 😌 LOVE WINS YAAAS 🙌🏾

[@robertjackson3819]

My goodness. Artistically scripted, with transcendent performances from Maslany and Cullen. And Maslany so steals hearts in that last two minutes. It's the kind of scene you watch over and over with tears each time. Wow. Well bloody done. I apologize for taking 4 years to arrive.

[@Aprylbaby]

Why didnt she just drive back?..it would have been much faster.🤦‍♀️

[@leighannferguson961]

I thought that too

[@pixystixnfairycrack]

That's what I'm saying.

[@vladdracul5072]

You expect a member of a cult to think rationally? Haha.

[@mdredheadguy1979]

Naturalbeauti78 Became drama. And reasons. But mostly drama.

[@bharatiya804]

Yes and she could have saved some too

[@Tasha.Bae1]

🍿The bodies actually transcend! wow! beautiful love story and imagery! The solar eclipse was amazing!

[@gomezgomez9665]

Agreed!! How heart breaking was her crying? I felt her pain,it was sad and beautiful

[@Tasha.Bae1]

@@gomezgomez9665 I know I have to say this is probably my favorite...amazing story

[@gomezgomez9665]

@@Tasha.Bae1 it was rather profound,loved it too!!

[@lynnkueh85]

Yes he looks charming and gentleman.

[@leighannferguson961]

What do you mean the bodies transcend? I dont understand

[@tenisha6031]

Ugh, this was a good one! So happy he stayed and seeing the cult was right at the very end was a great ending! This is horror/sci-fi and a love story all rolled into one

[@papurrcat9165]

I'm glad you chose Tatiana for this role. That one take eclipse scene is 100x more amazing!

[@malan873]

It seems there's a last little second that shows that the cult's beliefs of entering a new plane is real. If you watch the last scene where the camera is looking at the two kissing from a distance, you will notice that all the sheets have become flat, like there are no bodies under them, and then when the wind blows some sheets away there are no bodies under them. That is exceptionally freaky. Well done. I'd have to say this is one of my favorite short films so far.

[@mznaeture]

Wow i noticed that TOO omgeeezy

[@MissTique247]

That was rather odd film. Very good, but certainly would not qualify that as a horror or even a thriller. It's a love story, plain & simple. I did enjoy the twist tho! Up until the end, I believe we are to be under the impression that she was the "chosen one" to sacrifice herself, and that's why she is so sad/upset. But she is actually sad because they chose her to stay! To remain here on this earthly plain while they moved on to a better place. And she certainly didn't want to remain. Even more so because her love for that guy was so strong. It wasn't a fear of death, or living on. The fear lie in doing so without him. She would live or die willingly, as long as she was with him.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

It's listed as a sci-fi.

[@gregm17]

Kathy, that was very well said and a great summation.

[@foodieallure3088]

Ahhh......the great power of True Love indeed!..💞💕💖

[@MissTique247]

@@gregm17 well, Thank you very much! Glad to know people actually bother to read what I have to say! 😊✌

[@MissTique247]

@@KimberlyLetsGo I wouldn't classify it as that either. But, that's just me. Whatever floats your boat I guess! 🙄

[@kakalibhose6605]

Good job alter. This film HAS to define the meaning of relationships and the value of your loved ones. I'm truly touched......

[@gomezgomez9665]

OH well that made me cry!! Can't say how it made me feel deep inside,broke my heart for one!!! Just ........... sigh!!!

[@jerryleroy9187]

@Gomez. What part broke your heart? The part where there are STILL people stupid enough to join a suicide cult? There's lots of them out there. Poor fools. I wouldn't be surprised if there was thousands of Scientologists found dead one day. Those people are whack jobs too.

[@gomezgomez9665]

@@jerryleroy9187 no not at all,self murder is not to be encouraged what so ever,I do not condone that at all,It was the abject feeling of the loss of someone one loves that I felt,that for me was the most poignant part,the knowing,the time,the place,her desperation to get back to him,her lifting the sheets looking for him,her sobbing,she was a good actress.plus I am female and affairs of the heart!! No matter what the circumstances!! :) x

[@DustWarden]

That was incredibly intense for 18 minutes. 8 seasons of _Game of Thrones_ didn't choke me up like this. Side note: 5:03 translation - "Can you get me some Whip-its" - nitrous oxide canisters used to produce home-made whipped cream or to briefly get high at raves. Or get high in a friend's basement, but they're really more exciting at raves.

[@evel9925]

Just watched this for the first time and it is beautiful ! * spoiler in my comment* This flowed thru out wonderfully.... Right from the start of their conversation after spending the night together, into the viewer knowing they were in some sort of cult. But then @ the store there was no panick from other shoppers so clearly not an "End of world" scenario. Also the two main actors really allow you to actually feel the love between their characters. I was literally mouthing the word GO over and over as soon as she stopped the vehicle !!! So many underlying moments: The eclipse in and of itself... the fact she heard the drums....he had ear plugs in at the end and she needed to remove them so he can hear what she wanted to tell him ! .... I could write for days. Sorry ! OMG I Loved it

[@steviemarchant2895]

I loved that, a tear jerker that turned into a 'thank God she went back!' moment! Very well done and congratulations to the writers, producers, editors... Hell, everyone involved, you're on your way to greatness. I want to see your names on the Rotten Tomatoes list of fresh cinema releases!!!

[@NMEsEverywhere]

This was definitely based on the actual Heavens Gate cult

[@TheJaded1]

Expect they just died, there was no transcending or supernatural power, those people in Heaven's Gate just died because of one mad man's lies and manipulation.

[@rianaserfontein531]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@Soluchi-InfiniteCoCreatorGod]

They drank the Kool aid.

[@leighannferguson961]

That's exactly what I was thinking

[@kalvinflowers5878]

Does this short, albeit beautiful, seem a bit dismissive of the true hurt and pain experienced by loved ones left behind of the victims of the real-life doomsday cults? I once met the father of a girl killed in the Jim Jones cult. Very sad.

[@metalwenchx]

I am in Love with Alter in a beautiful creepy way.

[@WatchALTER]

🖤

[@titusandronicus7897]

:-)

[@guspapadopoulos945]

Most of these demonic cults are always rejecting the most precious states of the human condition in order to achieve what they say is a'' better state of existence''. However they all ignore that there our mysteries of the human condition which just should never be taken for granted; and the first of those is the sacrifice and what we are willing to give up for the sake of love. So whether it be the cow blocking the road, or him not hearing her when he asked her what did you say, or her rather not buying into that instructional radio broadcast. The strongest and most sacred force in the entire universe is and will always be the love we have for one another. Another case for ''Alter'' being head and shoulders above anyone else.

[@duckquack143]

Love this thought it was just a mass suicide cult thing but you saw at the end the body’s actual went to the other plane of existence showing they all went through the door that was unlocked via the eclipse, That was pure brilliance 👍🏻

[@guspapadopoulos945]

If that kiss in the end is acting, then you really fooled me. Otherwise it seems to me these two truly love each other.

[@taay333]

They are a couple in real life apparently. I thought the same I was blown away and felt the love through the screen.

[@guspapadopoulos945]

@@taay333 l knew it, It just seemed so natural for them. Bless those couples in the same profession,; l guess certain scenes are much easier done than others.

[@Blanca1205]

@@guspapadopoulos945 They broke up in 2019, two years after filming this short.

[@istoleyourmilkandcookies]

@@Blanca1205 i thought they got married??

[@Blanca1205]

@@istoleyourmilkandcookies They were never married, he broke up with her mid 2019 and immediately started dating Alison Sudol, with whom he has a kid now.

[@evandroid]

Tatiana Maslany ❤ and Tom Cullen 🔥

[@localcelebrity2972]

So the bodies disappeared form under the white sheets at the end... And here I was thinking that everybody was crazy there.

[@tiahna31]

I see people saying that these two actors are married in real life I’m wondering if she thought to herself that he was really gone in order to get that kind of performance, because omg that was an amazing ending, she is superb! 👏🏼👌🏼😃❤️

[@MGood-ij1hi]

Heaven's gate down on the farm. Instead of a comet they used an eclipse to hitch a ride to heaven.

[@soleclaw6521]

Well, this one was sweet. Scary idea, but a sweet story.

[@nicolebogda1482]

This was great- the sheets blowing off in the wind at the end were a nice twist!

[@kristeeen7331]

Here coz of Tatiana Maslany😍

[@TRAPBYJACK]

I was really, really impressed with this one

[@tobetid6474]

Absolutely loved this one! It was full of tension and fear and finally beautiful relief, would love to see this translated into a full length feature!

[@taay333]

Oh they are a couple in real life? I was going to say their chemistry is SUPERB!!!

[@locaana101]

Wow, a short that had a plot with a beginning, middle, and an end! Well done!

[@grungewolf1357]

ALTER IS A PRIORITY, IDC ABOUT MY 600 MESSAGES 😂😂

[@WatchALTER]

Sounds like you've been forever ALTERed.

[@grungewolf1357]

@@WatchALTER I really have!

[@mrunknown8335]

@@WatchALTER so have i!

[@gigimarie3989]

This would've been absolutely perfect if she had taken the car back instead of running... But the ending, omg only one chance to get that right and they both nailed it!

[@lildez05]

Favorite short film ever

[@_theotherwoman_3]

This lady was in STRONGER 🥺♥

[@iannoah3131]

I remember the movies *The Village* & *Red Riding Hood* Finally: good final, the lovers reunited and NO commit suicide. Great!!

[@HellfireHeather]

That was REALLY GOOD 😍 I loved the very end, I was REALLY hoping it would turn out that way, I wouldn't change one bit ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheMoonlover93]

I knew it was going to be about a cult when they kept saying “exit item” wtf

[@stellarodrigues2425]

Ttggiijjh hg gggyyy

[@stellarodrigues2425]

Tttyyuiij

[@stellarodrigues2425]

Yyyhhyuuu

[@TinnieTa21]

Tbh, I knew the second they came back and showed another person with the same outfit lol.

[@ladypilliwick8179]

watched the ending over and over in the last scene. when the wind blows. what I'm seeing is. she's the only one standing there ???

[@ashanddoodles13]

I would so watch this as a whole movie, it was so good. I loved it

[@kalanirae]

I live in Prineville, Oregon. 30 minutes from Bend. This was brilliant. It's definitely Alfalfa where this was shot. The Oregon Eclipse was something I will never forget. Thank you so much for sharing this. By the way, Necco Waffers are also one of my favorites....

[@danaspringer4049]

I LOVE THIS! I NEED IT AS A FULL MOVIE PLEASE. Ever since learning about jonestown this has become so interesting to me

[@elizabethgaspodnetich4322]

I really enjoyed that!! I thought they were aliens, but then again not. Not until the very last second I knew the truth!! So all you folks who look into the comments to see what happens, you must see the very last few seconds to know for sure!! Awesome short!! I love Alter!

[@EurodanceTotalOficial]

*Very good this short film, people!! Thanks for the excellent post, my channel friend!! 😎👍*

[@jennifergarza3909]

Wow! That was intense! Alter, you rock!

[@titusandronicus7897]

So do you! :-)

[@Dolotraveller]

Anyone notice in the last scene, all the bodies under the sheets were gone. The cult was correct In their belief

[@Gustaiiv]

That eclipse timing though...brilliant.

[@benitocamelas8766]

I say stay... But he didn't stay with me he leave me alone... Sad but true...

[@benitocamelas8766]

Reminds me to the 39 people of "heavens gate" cult! Awesome short film! I must confess I cry at the end because I was afraid he killed himself before she comes hahaha!🖤🌚

[@beautyforumbyangela]

Excellent 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽Alter. This is on my top 5 list. Keep them coming please. Cheers 😉🌷

[@Nautules83]

Is it me or did all the bodies under the blankets actually dissapear in the final scene? Did they really transcend? Was it partially imaginairy? hmmm....

[@pixystixnfairycrack]

I do believe they did. My take is that the cult actually knew what they were talking about. But the guy gave up his transcendence for the woman he loved.

[@June2U]

I was going to ask the same thing

[@benjaminshealey7451]

Ummm, DUST showed this short months ago. Absolutely loved it!

[@ellewoods8178]

I KNEW I'd seen this before and it was GOOD then. 😃

[@TanikaCharles-xq1om]

2am and I'm bawling my eyes out.

[@asadasemwali8365]

Suspenseful!!! Well done!

[@MyMs1979]

Excellent. 8/10

[@SpiderBlackWidow-m6f]

Reminds me of the heaven's gate cult who all took their lives for nothing and wound up in darkness for taking their own life😢

[@worldwide830]

Love you alter...

[@WatchALTER]

🖤 Stay ALTERed.

[@atimidbirb]

I guessed the premise immediately but yet, it shook me to my very core until the eclipse passed. Holy shit. And the true horror is that this is reality.

[@charlottemcmichael6583]

One of the best acting ever!!!

[@junebug0o0]

For everyone saying that she could've drove the car back... I think it had to do with the fact that she wanted to be respectful of the ceremony itself. I'm sure the writer thought it through but their could be reasoning as to why she didn't want to drive back. Could have to do with disturbing the event at the time and maybe she was aware.

[@annoyingkid48]

Hard agree on the necco wafers, the fella’s right

[@jamesstevens5643]

Superbly original concept and excellent acting, directing, and editing. Thank you!

[@WatchALTER]

The entire cast and crew did an incredible job.

[@jrzjnz7573]

Obviously awesome as always on Alter but, too: Tom Cullen is 😍😊

[@danthe8fishman2]

This one is the best!

[@maria.8393]

Oh my, they are such a lovely couple. The ending made me tear up. Ugggh they are just perfect. Can they make tons of babies? And just be the perfect family? Such a good short film.

[@annecohen8927]

Wow. So that’s what a total solar eclipse is like, I thought the sun was going down for the evening, even though it was broad daylight and when she was running without her car, I thought it took her longer than it should have been. But the film itself was breathtaking as I have never viewed a total solar eclipse except during the time when I woke up, it was still dark with the sky being completely orange(from the wildfire and smoke)even though the sun was just starting to come up at the usual hours. At first I thought the word was just about to end.

[@Erdbeershake007]

My girl TATIANNA

[@chauncitoney6578]

jesus, why am i crying... love it

[@theversusverses]

when tatiana said "fuck"...i felt that

[@annadudziak7057]

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION LIKE OMG PERFECTION LOVE EVERY MOVIE LIKE A FAN WOULD KEEP UP THE PERFECT JOB 😁 RESPECT TO ALL LIVES

[@angelamartin1717]

Is this an interpretation of ‘Heaven’s Gate’ mass suicide of 1997...it was sooo sad that all those souls were lost 😞

[@CaptainBearPants]

Amazing film, just wow 🤩

[@MobileFilmmaking]

I saw this before and the making of it. The guy are girl are a real couple as well. Pretty cool!

[@fancykarlmarx]

I think the end of this is actually kind of dangerous. The love story was nice but there is no transcendence in ritual mass suicide. Every time this happens the only thing left is a pile of bodies and broken families.

[@scottbird7751]

Good messages displayed by Alter.

[@tootiejo857]

what a beautiful love story!

[@mznaeture]

You may not see it now but it's an honor to be CHOSEN 🎖

[@sakgjtaoehtla4478]

The last scene looks like they are both in the last world.

[@everythingsolani]

First of all....im sorry, I couldn’t stop staring at the main male character....

[@cherbear113]

Right!? Perfection

[@Dontstopbelievingman]

Beautiful film.

[@SoCalChemistry]

That last part was really frustrating to watch. Running all the way back when she could have stayed in the car and drove back.

[@tizzlet4600]

Seems like everybody else got this movie but I didn't get it at all 😭

[@mznaeture]

It is love, PURE LOVE that drives the lovers ❤

[@amandabenge8066]

I NEED MORE!!!!!! Incredible!!!!

[@tanrose8645]

🤔... I'm sure I commented before.... But had to watch again!🌹BRAVO This was so well done in every aspect!!!👏👏👏🌹(Miss Tatiana & "Orphan Black"!) PLEASE Stay 'safe', everyone❣️ Blessed be🌛🌹🌜

[@gamerkittyvv3373]

K here’s my theory. ppl can be the worst’’. but u just hav to watch carefully.. “of what u should choose or not to choose.( how bad does it get u ask ) :it gets worse: :and rough: (we work together, for the time we managed to hav) // sometimes they may feel out of place, or, maybe out of line,, *but that doesn’t mean, that ur not an important person* . ‘don’t be scared of what might come next’. ‘’ *IF U READ THIS NOTE, U WILL BE CHOOSEN TO LEAVE THE PACK* “ “ *THEY ALWAYS COME BACK* “ . .

[@clairesincere3082]

It took me like …3 times watching but did anyone else notice 5:21? I thought the whole time he was stepping through some flower but no he was crushing up the pills for the Kool-Aid! I can’t believe I missed that! Just me?

[@clairesincere3082]

Pressing * flour.

[@corrado9683]

EXCELLENT!!!

[@personanongrata5002]

I wonder if any of the heavens gate away crew were like fuck this noise bro I’ll catch the next ship

[@jm844]

she hulk, attorney at law. excellent film.

[@moniquevandeplas5210]

Hauntingly romantic. This movie resonates with me but i can't explain it. I am curious if the writer is a fan of A Wrinkle in Time Series. I loved the Necco at same time recording talking about getting messages and having a huge cow/bull that literally blockades your way. Oh and i loved how at the beginning it seems like they are in a room but it is a bus and then they say bye to the bus...cuz that would be me. I also like how all the faces look the same after the harvest meaning their body suits for this lifetime were just that. The question of faith and the connection of human spirit between people and how strong it can be. I feel this at some emotional spiritual level

[@MokeleMbembeLives]

The Dopest one yet!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jodytrimble8986]

Reminded me of the Jonestown incident

[@basedsalty6970]

I said the same thing

[@Tasha.Bae1]

but the bodies actually disappeared! crazy!

[@soulsearch1234]

More like heavens gate cult

[@ElizabethP1981]

@@Tasha.Bae1 the bodies were under the white sheets..?

[@Tasha.Bae1]

@@ElizabethP1981 no they disappeared watch the ending again...that is the part where the sci fi kicks in they truly ascend to where they were suppose to go...and just to make sure we notice the director makes the wind blow to see they are gone and ends on a wide shot

[@tinaflintstone8148]

That was beautiful! But, she was chosen to stay behind. Why? She was leaving the compound. Why? That’s a hole that will bother me.

[@sophielove7896]

Wow..i cried at the end...