Horror Short Film "The Deal" | ALTER Exclusive

The Deal is a psychological thriller about unexpected change. The fat girl’s skinny. The stoner’s a success. And the nerd who did magic tricks is now the life of the party. But for Bryce, the prom king-quarterback, change isn’t good, especially when what’s left of his life vanishes before his eyes.
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More About THE DEAL: Before his debilitating car accident Bryce was the star quarterback, Monica was his prom queen and James was a loser. But high school was a lifetime ago, and now everyone’s changed: Becca’s skinny, Hector’s a star and James is everyone’s best friend. But when Monica suddenly disappears at James’ party, Bryce knows exactly who to blame - but in order to find the truth he might lose more than he bargained for.
Written & Directed By Daniel S. Kaminsky
Director of Photography Adam Bricker
Producer Michael Klein
Producer Brett Young-Fountain
Executive Producer Joss Whedon
Composer Deborah Lurie
"Bryce" Jake Weary
"Monica" Alexandra Shipp
"James" Daniel Amerman
"Hector" Bobby Soto
"Becca" Michelle DeFraites
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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About Gunpowder + Sky:
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THE DEAL
/ watchalter

[@southrn9419]

I think Monica made a deal to disappear in Bryce's life & be with her own dreams in Hollywood which James would rather like than having her with Bryce.Bryce on the other hand did made a deal to erase what happens, of a crime. The nerdy James was just like playing a merry go 'round w/ them & each of their personal desires that would benefits their own. The trick starts when he blows a smoke🚬

[@LVKZLevTov]

And ended up when James slyly dropped his cigarette and snuffed it out with his foot..

[@TheAdeybob]

I reckon James made his own deal with the devil...

[@snookies1224]

long enough as it is, everything was covered, we can now move on.

[@sharktooth00]

This was fantastic! I don't think that James is the literal devil! I say that because Bryce was telling Hector and the other guy "didn't you used to beat the shit out of him in High school?" The devil is not gonna let you bully him period!! I believe that James started dabbling into the occult. He was already known for doing magic tricks, which he probably learned so that people would like him. He tapped into something or contacted a supernatural force! He made a deal himself! What would James want?..He would want to be the person that everyone goes to for help after being invisible to his classmates. Since he was bullied and beaten he would also not want to be hurt, which is why Bryce hitting him with crutches to his back and face did nothing. In order for James to enjoy his newfound powers he has to collect souls. James is pretty much a Crossroads demon. (Supernatural analogy) Monica was moving to LA to pursue her dream of being an actress but ended up staying with Bryce because of his "accident" ,which was caused by James so that Hector could get his wish to play in front of the scouts. He killed 2 birds with 1 stone. He wanted Monica for himself and they made a deal which was going to be consummated in the bedroom when Bryce walked in. Everyone in that party has already made a deal with James, who now owns them. They have no choice but to do what he wants. That explains why Hector had to put a cigarette into his eye at James command. Which probably wasn't the first time. As for Bryce, in order for Monica's death to not be on his hands, James makes him forget all about her. What does Monica get out of all this? Not sure. Maybe she stays dead or now that Bryce has forgotten about her she can now go to LA and James will collect the debt later after her possible resurrection. Anyway I really enjoyed this and if anyone feels differently about my comment I have no problems with constructive feedback 🙂

[@LisaNC832]

Excellent comment. I think you pretty much nailed it.

[@KnijMagz]

Very nice analysis! I think you are on to something for sure

[@charlesezeribe6642]

You have spoken as a wise one you have my respect

[@skylerwillis5247]

Impeccable analysis !

[@Mar-gd5vo]

nope, your comment is spot on! Thanks for that.

[@movienationtv]

I’m sorry but everyone at that party seemed off to me. 😐

[@johneshaholly5410]

Exactly 💯

[@Makeup_Gal_101]

Same tho

[@ajl2232]

Why?

[@damnjae2256]

I got the feeling they were all people who had made a deal with James. Remember the scene where he coughed twice and everyone left the room.. there were a couple little instances such as that throughout

[@angel_030]

Everyone made some sort of deal with him. The one kid made a deal to become the star quarterback, and then the guy got in a car crash that destroyed his leg and kept him from playing. The one girl apparently lost loads of weight and became attractive I'd imagine her deal had to do with that. I think that Monica was about to make a deal to make it to LA and achieve her dreams, but was interrupted. I bet each one there made some sort of deal and was in debt to him now, so the strange behavior is likely that of fear and servitude to pay off the debt.

[@drlee2]

This one was clever and well done. The actor playing James nailed the mysterious, creepy, larger than life vibe.

[@sharonwolfe5210]

Yep, he sure made me hate his guts considering the relatively short screen time he had...

[@cacingliar1297]

Have you seen Monica?

[@drlee2]

@@cacingliar1297 Who?

[@beatrizsthefany65]

@@drlee2 Whos monica?

[@chloedoritoloco8537]

He gave me Jesse Plemons vibes. Understated bad vibe. I’d love to see him in more things!

[@watchdust]

Could be Satan OR a memory erasing alien with cigarette neuro-nano-technology? Thoughts?

[@WatchALTER]

Get outta here DUST! Go play with your spaceships.

[@Dommommy]

I'm so happy I caught this exchange. Love both channels 🤣👹👽

[@jychilly]

It was mentioned the guy was into magic tricks in high school. I'm thinking he traded up, and is now an uber-powerful Warlock.

[@lastcaress1314]

Cigarette neuro nano technology? Lol ur too funny🤦🤣 Time travel and erases their minds with some sort of "magic" persay. I think the cigarette is relative really. It's symbolism but I don't think it holds too much significance. He took a cigarette out of a bottle and smoked it in the beginning. She said cool trick, but I don't think it was anything really.

[@sophial.6633]

I love this lol

[@wencydulnuan7507]

No matter how hard the circumstances are, never make a deal with the devil. Life is hard but don't take shortcuts because it might lead you to hell.

[@raymondweston8997]

Technically; it’s not a deal with the devil. It’s more of a Faustian deal. And the results, are actually quite different than going to Hell.

[@linabingbing3881]

Amen. 💯 Scary thing is....people don't believe this most of the time. For some reason I've many dreams about hell that felt too real and we're unlike any other dreams I've ever had. I awake crying and praying for my soul and others to never go to hell. We have hope no matter what when we r on earth but afterwards ..there is no begging or pleasing or repenting from what we thought was....a lie. Desperation from God,who is love ...is...the worse...existence ever forever and ever without one single molecule or anything good. It's real. I hate it....but hell is real. The Holy spirit of God reaches out to us on multiple occasions .he knocks softly on out hearts...and is there for us in our tragedies......answer his light knocking, your life will change. ❤️

[@uwlimesub6945]

@@linabingbing3881 If you actually believe in hell, how can you find enjoyment in watching horror movies? (Hell was made up by men long ago to keep people in line using fear.)

[@danielegarotti7884]

True, I made this one time and I regret it

[@brettsmith5903]

You have just convinced me to make a deal with the devil. SQUARE!

[@justliam2768]

My theory is that the magician kid had previously summoned a demon hoping to become great. But he ended up having to pay the piper, as one invariably does when making deals with devils and demons, and the demon is now at play in our realm via the medium of a bespectacled nerd.

[@tomokaitoh1785]

I’ve been looking at the thing on his neck the whole time

[@ravenr876]

Moral of the story, don’t make deals, because one side always gets cheated.

[@deathandrebirth-y8x]

no doubt. people always looking to cheat the devil.

[@deeb8282]

Just watched for the second time today and I gotta say this really should be a full length film.

[@lalareeves1941]

AGREED 👍

[@robmen1402]

You watched this...twice in one day? Buddy, calm down.

[@sqazaplaza6188]

Magnificent movie 🍿

[@churchofmena]

I would love to see a longer version of this!

[@ananovakovic9392]

@@robmen1402 😂😂😂😂😂😁😁😁😁😁😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@autumnemerald1019]

That's what the devil's best at - telling lies and making corrupted deals.

[@tontab3495]

I'm a little confused. When they get to the party, everyone knows Monica but during the party nobody knew her. So did Bryce make the deal to forget about her? If Bryce walks out, it's like the situation never happened or Monica never existed.

[@yvonnegumapac3830]

So far, I can say, This is now on my top favorite. Beginning to the end. Well played. Horrifying plot and tricky at the same time. Kudos to the team behind this short film.

[@KellyJayeIam]

I’m thinking that Monica was in James’ bedroom because she made a deal with him - she obviously had regrets that she gave up on her dreams to take care of Bryce. It was clear James wanted Monica from the get-go; perhaps Bryce was to be the forgotten one originally and Monica had to agree to be with James but then the accident happened. Here’s my overthinking it - they wouldn’t have been at the party at all if Bryce hadn’t had the car accident. And if James had a long time obsession with Monica, having them invited to the party was an ideal set up for him to get her. But then Bryce had to go and spoil it for him ( /s). Side note: Odd choice that James’ wielded his trick/power/deal via a cigarette- but it worked.

[@krislatoya7556]

Interesting take. I'm commenting so that I can see more responses to this.

[@chait9953]

Cool take

[@ahzar4384]

Pretty much what I was thinking too. The party was a set up from the jump. His sole purpose was to get to his long time crush Monica, and make her his woman, and erase Bryces memories of Monica. Notice how when Bryce was roughing Monica up in the bedroom. James just sat on the bed and watched the whole thing unfold, because he already knew what was about to go down. Thus giving him the perfect opportunity to finally get what he wants the most.

[@WatchALTER]

Great analysis Kelly

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

She went to Hollywood to become an actress. That's what she wished for.

[@johannahunderwood4596]

I think the magician thing is his schtick to cover a darker purpose. I don’t believe that he has actually caused any of the good or bad things that have happened to his former acquaintances, but rather that he is a mentalist/hypnotist with an extraordinary ability to manipulate the human mind. He doesn’t have to have caused Bruce’s accident to be able to insert a memory into Hector’s mind that they had a conversation about it beforehand. He may have planted thoughts that the success of the diet and exercise the formerly overweight girl had done by herself was actually caused by his intervention. Sometimes people who are on the social periphery at school have no choice but to observe what is happening from the sidelines and to see the interconnections of the main players. He just had to get to people at pivotal moments of their lives, when their guards are down. The term “to blow smoke” means “to lie”. (To blow smoke “up someone’s ass” is “to flatter” or “to tell someone what they want to hear”). His use of the cigarette is his cue. The girlfriend had her part to play and she can now ride off into the sunset to pursue her dreams as an actress free from the guilt of leaving a boyfriend who will not remember her. Bryce may not remember her but he will know that he was saved from something bad or maybe get help in ,say, the form of medical bills or an opportunity. It doesn’t matter because he will have loyalty. Darkness at its best. My 2 cents…

[@DesireesJoint]

Right away I realized the guy who played Bryce is Kevin in the Fred movies! Either that or he looks exactly like him.

[@mounitamurmu4550]

Clearly everyone here made a deal with that nerd to get something that they always wanted to be or have.... And by the end we see even Bryce makes a deal with him but what everyone missed is even Monica made a deal with that guy (try seeing the kitchen conversation again and you'll get it...) Loved the short. 🙂

[@alimunnaharsetu9415]

But what deal did Monica make? Do you know the reason?

[@laurarhodes8170]

@@alimunnaharsetu9415 she made a deal with him to go to Los Angeles & be a movie star. That’s what she was doing in the bed room, was I assume paying her debt. Bryce walked in and caught them killing Monica. I think James wanted Monica got himself, but when Bryce killed her he instead makes a deal with Bryce.

[@alimunnaharsetu9415]

@@laurarhodes8170 ~~~ THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR EXPLANATION.

[@brocklightning]

The worst thing about these awesome short films is you beg for them to be longer. ALTER ROCKS!!!!!!

[@justinlang313]

It's amazing how this short film was way better than the hour 30 mins new mutants movie I watched last night.

[@tiffanywright1833]

Wow. Im so in awe this was fantastic. The storyline was brilliant.

[@tomsdottir]

Jake Weary, whether here or in Animal Kingdom, just has that screen magnetism. You can't take your eyes off him.

[@sharonwolfe5210]

Joss Whedon as exec producer, too! Sweet he's doin shorts...

[@ajl2232]

This is so satisfying. The tables turning and getting justice. If only real life was like this.

[@jasomcox]

the devil disguised in a nerd

[@raymondweston8997]

The best disguise. Most people have this antiquated idea, of horns, and hooves. A nerd is not threatening. Therefore your guard isn’t activated. 😉

[@ajl2232]

@@raymondweston8997 True. If people think you are a dummy nobody would try to be smart sround you thus you can see what they are doing. My life.

[@raymondweston8997]

@I love shawarma more than my life The most dangerous person; is the one that you allow to get next to you. The one who knows the most about you.

[@rickysanchez8709]

So Monica no longer exist or is it that Monica exist in his mind? Wow! Amazing!

[@efrenrosales8886]

I guess I’ll be late for work 🍿

[@IbunyaAnakAnak]

Seems like watching evil is playing with someone brain and memory just to save the person from the fear and sad feeling, but there's a consequences for every deal you make in life...

[@ginidavid2902]

This was so damn good! So much packed into short video. Would love to see this as a full film with the back stories of high school days

[@plantern4590]

ALTER is underrated... They need more recognition so people can fund more of their crew's ideas and make it into reality! (In film okay. Not the stories themselves)

[@KellyJayeIam]

And here comes James with a deal for ALTER 😬

[@patricialessard8651]

Wizard/sorcerer or real Magician. He certainly rose up to higher things. Cool story and would love to see this in movie format. I'd definitely see it, over and over. Thanks and stay safe!

[@bluejuniata9808]

The guy must be pretty lame if he has to trick people into being his friend.

[@tanrose8645]

Seems James must've dwelved into more than just basic 'magick' and "sold out"😬👹 Well done in all aspects!❣️👏👏👏💐 Stay 'safe', everyone❣️ Blessed be🌜

[@vintage1950]

This was actually really good.

[@victoriacolbert6446]

James tricked him into that deal he literally remembered who his girlfriend was until the end he played tf out him

[@sharronkerbyhoughton3548]

Brilliant Alter as usual, I can't get enough of your short horrors. Always guessing.... Kids got some wicked 'magic' skills alright. I love it ♥️

[@stacied6172]

Really wish this was a full length film ☺️

[@Vv-zi9pn]

James can we make a deal pertaining to my "Monica" 🤣unless you gonna do it🤣🤣

[@Makeup_Gal_101]

YESSSSS FINALLY A NEW SHORT FILM. When I saw this I tell you I got so freakin excited!😍✨🖤

[@luzcasillas3906]

Really like the twisted end. Great story Alter.

[@kiranshivgan979]

Ohk, I have to ask :- What is/was the inspiration behind this short?

[@rw5258]

Lesson of the day nerds, can be mean and monsters too. Thanks Alter, nothing like a hump day of learning😜 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ajl2232]

They are just getting justice for the abuse they endured.

[@calykoo69]

She kept pushing him away in the beginning physically. Great short!

[@PennyMsElite]

👩🏼...I always wanted to sit with the cool kids... 👦🏻....Um it was just lunch... 😂😭

[@amynee9079]

Calling Moon for Monica is so smart! And sweet of course.

[@lalaland962]

This was REALLY good! I love having no idea what's going to happen in a movie, even if i have a suspicion of what's going on.

[@blackpaw29]

Oh wow, that didn't work out the way I expected at all - poor Monica! really sucked for her. Excellent longish short, great acting from the leads. I wonder what James will be wanting from Bryce.

[@MerryKeli]

So, I sort of get the idea that maybe neither Bryce or Monica are actually very nice people. So while it's cruel, it could also be karma.

[@RoboBongoCuckooCop]

"I knew there was a reason I liked you" "my ass" "ok, two reasons" that was great!

[@artemisnectar7]

ALTER & AZ SOON AZ I saw the cat from IT FOLLOWS😳🤗..I'm like oh DAYUM🙆🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️..here we go🥴😱..XCELLENT everything!!!! All the work in a short..👍🏼👏🏽💯💯💯

[@TheMcesar1]

A lot of people here are saying not to mess with the devil. And while that is always very good advice, there is one that is just as important: Do not mess with a nerd. Their acts of revenge are fueled around their incredible intelligence which--unless you can match their witt--will get you into trouble every single time. 🧐

[@plantern4590]

We all want to go back and correct our mistakes. Change everything. at some point but that wont make us a better person at all

[@plantern4590]

@@mizscoleman wait ill change my comment now that ive read it i 4got smthng

[@Sounds2Human]

9:55 crazy how Hector wasn’t saying stop to James but to Bryce before he swung at him.

[@gren8te319]

12:34 the devil undoing monica's death by completely erasing her from history is the perfect kinda evil genius that fits his character

[@gennlydonci5721]

This is amazing !!!!

[@assalamualaikum3959]

What if it started with, James was considered freak due to which he doesn't have friends, he made a deal with the devil, in turn he became devil's pawn, then hector asked for Bryce's position, in turn Bryce got in accident Monica in her miserable state might have made deal with James, maybe for Bryce to get his strength back, in turn she got manipulated by James and when that fight happened, Bryce made the deal thinking everything will he fine but in turn Monica's existence disappeared. 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@esrat2508]

when she said he was magician and with all those people acting weird, I thought he was a magician and people were illusion. The only threat was him

[@Bunny_Rosalie]

No way you got Jake Weary who played Kevin in Fred unbelievable

[@greenenvy2034]

The demon is giving me Thomas Sanders' Patton vibes.

[@lexi6693]

wow! I cant believe jake made a short horror film. Id always be reminded him of Animal kingdom but this one is so damn weird it was so nice to watch.

[@mehreensajid8473]

Devil's trick.... Satan makes u fool everytime... We should follow the right path... Believe on God ❤❤❤

[@jackcristo1628]

Nice try, Satan.

[@Nenezilla]

@@jackcristo1628 🤣🤣🤣

[@jasondiggs6740]

Why do people of the Abrahamic faiths have to take every supernatural show seriously instead of enjoying it🤔

[@jacobjoiner6897]

@@jasondiggs6740 I agree I feel it was no reason for that but at the same time why are you so bothered by it, you can tell you problems don't believe in religion but only what type of person would that bother?

[@gaymerkitty6240]

Religious nonsense. 🤣

[@vinniemascaro6649]

In the opening he called out concerned like she may have smashed her head during their fight

[@Mz_Raven]

Well that was more terrifying than any gory horror I've seen. Bravo! Lol

[@abhirajbanerjee9777]

Alter. Always bringing the good stuffs. Loved it.

[@2m8o15]

I knew I knew Bryce!! He was Kevin in the Fred movies!! 😂

[@RenHay]

GREAT!!!! BRAVO!!!

[@MAllen-ng8pl]

Whew, that was lucky Bryce escaped a manslaughter charge!

[@sevdetomrisozkan8305]

It was worth the wait and better than i expected ! Greate job 👍👍👍

[@KourtneyBrooke]

Becca reminds me of Anna Farris

[@ZenMultiverse_]

This one is amazing!

[@armondo74]

He ain't doing magic tricks no more he doing deals with the devil type shit. Also did anybody else notice when his glasses got knock off his eyes were pitch black till he put his glasses back on.

[@MyLifeRideorDie]

Love it! More please!❤❤

[@TechNMusic]

See, this is good horror. No stupid metaphors about life is unfair or how vanity is bad or blahblahblah. Just some good old fashioned weird sh*t with a great cliffhanger.

[@annecohen8927]

In the end he forgets that Monica once existed.

[@tonystokes1119]

Bruh! This was amazing and genius.

[@crapstermcduck6593]

They're coming to get you, Barbara!

[@michaelclemons8298]

Creepy! Awesome! It's crawsome! 👍👍

[@banefaqs8468]

Where does Alter get all these good actors and production quality?

[@vl7815]

(Spoil alert) Bryce had a deal with Satan in exchange for his soul right ? So now he has to follow Satan commands ,like Hector ?

[@ravennevermore641]

+Alter 🖤I commented on the film like i said theres 2 different comment sections. Happy Veterans Day to those who arent familiar on this important Federal Holiday Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace - dead or alive - although it's largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. 01:05. 00:00 | 00:00. It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. In the 11 month ON the 11th day in the 11th hour in the Year 1918 World War 1 came to Cease / End between the Ally Troops (USA)and Grrmany Happy Veterans Day to All those who laid their lives down or served to protect us all .

[@jmac2050]

Monica made the deal to leave for Hollywood. She was gone rather the Police were call or not

[@malclaire]

So a spin off of supernatural Well done.

[@ell534]

This was great!

[@crystalvickers78]

Freaking amazing!

[@valieroyal4205]

That evil guy looked soo cute ❤️😘

[@fabieleloterio8429]

that was AWSOME

[@brentage5000]

Holy crap, thats new Storm playing the girlfriend at the start? Surprise appearance is surprising!

[@kristynash1042]

Shit. Wow Alter you have done it again!! I wish this could be made full length I loved this one!

[@tonys9796]

*We've been waiting patiently.* 😁

[@sophiew1967]

Beelzebub in huge spectacles ! The ending of that was pretty perfect..only thing is ,if Bryce has nI memory left of Monica...do her family ?? Brilliantly dark as ever ..actually from a personal point of view a little visually / physically too dark with a few of these films because I' m partially sighted..lol.but that visual darkness I appreciate were great deoth..David Lynch has done it for decades after all ;)

[@iamchelly9567]

This oddly enough has familiarity with actual companionship lol once someone does ONE THING for you. You’re done man👌🏽🔥 it’s above you til you sever the connection

[@desireefuller9757]

I enjoyed this wanted to see more tho😩

[@tarikalbert64]

Did u go to castlemont?

[@vanillacinnamonbon3349]

BROOO KEVINNN FROM THE FRED MOVIE GREW UPPPP

[@shanemarlow9402]

I'm coming up with my own short horror film channel I like to call Dead Man's chest

[@HieiJaganshi2024]

It's Jake Weary from Fred. He played Kevin

[@justme4014]

Nah....not Satan, who is ultimately an archetypal figure anyway, for humans to pin all of the dark side of human nature on. James was the kid no one liked, the loser as the blurb said, but that's what made him develop his powers to begin with......he had already developed them enough to be able to cause the accident, that allowed Hector to take Bryce's place as the star quarterback, all those years ago. He decided he was never going to put up with being the loser again, and honed and developed, not only his magic tricks, but also his psychic power over others. He developed himself into a powerful "Trickster", who could work feats of paranormal events, because he NEVER wanted to be the underdog ever again. Monica was tired of looking after Bryce, and having given up her dreams to stay and be his carer....she went to James and made a "deal" with him....like all the others at the party had done before her.....and James "made it happen" .....she didn't really die.....that was all a part of the trick......she slipped out the back way.....and voila....a new life for her , while James worked on Bryce, with his strong psychic powers of "suggestion" and Bryce forgot her. Hey Presto.....

[@garysmith1522]

"Bryce"... when you want to be absolutely sure your kid is starting QB and rolls his car while intoxicated.

[@malargrosis]

Whoa!!! this was crazy!!! Mind-blown!!

[@QueenBrownShuga1973]

I definitely prefer these types of suspense/horror

[@churchofmena]

Wow I really liked this it makes me wonder though how the nerd obtained those powers or if he had them all along

[@lorihopkins6328]

Wow, nicely done

[@marissabones]

This was really good

[@DEEPMUCH]

Good one,thank you.