Horror Short Film "The Good Word" | ALTER

[@StuartNevilleBooks]

Thank you for all the kind comments. A bit crass, I know, but if you liked this film, you might like some of the books I've also written. Search your favourite retailer for my name. My most recent, THE HOUSE OF ASHES, is probably the closest to this in style.

[@s.a.l948]

Oh I thought I recognised your name! I have read House of ashes and I loved it!! You're a man of many talents!

[@awakeknowledgeYawehseemyhell]

I liked the charachters perfectly descripted you must understand befote become crass i liked they are alive i Will search of you express liked this perfect the irish Man coming back from work and immidietaly he have the Red Blood hand knowin he thougth to manipulate his wife

[@morgue-an]

I work in a library and just made sure we carry your books, which we do!

[@LamiNalchor]

Quite interesting. I have only recognized the actor in his last facial expression.

[@eternalflame9339]

Great work, definitely wish it was a full length..

[@fawndesilva1607]

I love that he went in there thinking he was manipulating her when he was the one being manipulated. Beautiful! Also loved it when the husband was making sure she was absolutely positive about him "staying for dinner" because at that moment I knew he was not only stay for but was dinner. 😁😆

[@mermaidsquad1391]

I knew when she was talking about how sharp the knives are. But yes, I love the twist. I loved how the husband called him out. The wife is a savage.

[@WordUnheard]

I see you were wise enough not to read the description. I love this channel, but ALTER is terrible at spoiling a short film. If they don't do it in the description, they usually use a still from the last minute of the film as their thumbnail.

[@SAJK0KAT]

Ops.. I shouldn’t read the comments before watching. Stupid of me. 😅

[@mermaidsquad1391]

@@SAJK0KAT lol I used to read the end of books first, so kinda the same thing 😬🤦‍♀️

[@Conriocht]

What guy doesn’t rinse his face off after shaving? Heathen.

[@riverranger8226]

I could just listen to them converse back and forth all day.

[@mermaidsquad1391]

Same

[@tanrose8645]

Saaaaaammmeeee🙂

[@poison_Pizza]

I was thinking the same thing. That go back and forth that they were having created such a perfect tense environment.

[@91KP_SilentEchoes]

Ever watched that chapter the channel? He talks about true crime stories. I recommend it, he is Irish too and he's super cool

[@riverranger8226]

@SilentEchoes91 thankyou! Ill look in to it!

[@davewilson4058]

CLASSIC. A tasty murder story with an Irish twist. Loved everything about this. From the oily, conman preacher, with a penchant for killing his victims, to the farmer and his wife so well cast and believable. Even the farmhouse room was perfect, decrepit, peeling and dark, with ominous undertones. I'm so glad they managed to keep up their protein intake for their ongoing wellbeing. Long may they succeed. Another winner from Alter.

[@elizabethharvester6111]

Oooh, so the woman and man in the beginning of the film weren't his wife and some man, but two nameless victims? Hmmm

[@paulkennedy4423]

Thanks so much for all your very kind comments on our film. We're delighted with the response - and thanks so much to Alter for inviting us to be a part of the family :) Who wants veal??

[@MrBunghole666]

Outstanding acting, outstanding direction, outstanding design. Loved it.

[@limario1920]

absolutely amazing film! i adore it.

[@paulkennedy4423]

Thanks Korbannnn

[@paulkennedy4423]

Cheers limario :)

[@buddyismylife]

Thank you!

[@billyandrew]

He met two delightful wolves in sheep's clothing, the poor lamb. 😂 Kudos to everyone involved in this wonderful piece and thanks for uploading!

[@billyandrew]

@Jaheim Hoilett Fanx. 👍😁

[@dayjonagarrett957]

Veal

[@anthonysanchez3657]

These short horror films usually rely on some crazy overdone monster to get you to click on the video (not complaining - some of them are very well done and original). I knew right away that this one was different. The dialogue was brilliant; the characters spoke to one another as you would expect them to without a camera in their faces. All of the actors did their part to keep me committed to the story. Whoever was responsible for this great piece, I would love to see another!

[@brettzforeman]

The emotional arc and interpersonal subtlety of this story is really lovely. The traveling misionary Ivan, who shaves closely and fancies himself quite sharp, although his razor is not nearly as sharp as the simple table knife the Taggarts keep at their table to spread butter. He is "not affiliated with any church," which means there is nobody to whom he is accountable and nobody to vouch for his character. He greets repeatedly at the Taggarts' door, merely repeating himself when the lady of the house repeatedly tells him they have no beef. When she greets him, he insists he is not selling anything but wishes only to speak to them about Christ. He presses her for her name, but does not give her his own. She takes the measure of Ivan, and lets him inside. If we see the traveler as the predator, than this seems like a weakness in her defense, but as we come to learn she let him inside because she decided he looked tasty. He asks her many questions about her family, but a close listener will realize that he is trying to figure out how many people live in the home. He learns that their parents are dead and they have no children, meaning they are few enough in number that he may be able to murder and rob them before continuing on his way. Presumably, if there were a lot of people he would be hoping for a meal and a donation. Mrs. Taggart offers him tea, which invites him to get comfortable. This looks like hospitality, but really she's just keeping him busy until Mr. Taggart comes inside. He boasts of his travels, and she acts very impressed. He confirms she has no children, and that Danny Tole, the neighbor who sometimes helps Mr. Taggart, is not around. Mrs. Taggart learns that Ivan's wife is dead of malaria, and that he is a father. (Nobody will be looking for him, either.) At this moment, Mr. Taggart comes inside having finished his work. Mr. Taggart makes a very different impression, and at first glance seems like the less friendly of the Taggarts. He jokingly offers his blood-drenched hands for a handshake, then asks Ivan the missionary to where he has traveled. Unlike his wife, Mr. Taggart takes Ivan up on his bold claim that he's been anywhere they might think to name. Rather than naming whole continents, Mr. Taggart names three specific cities, of which Ivan can't confirm having been to any. (If he's not a missionary, then it would be to his advantage to keep his stories very vague, lest somebody ask him for details about a city to which they've both been.) Mr. Taggart calls Ivan out for his boastfulness, and Ivan retorts that he wouldn't have boasted if Mr. Taggart hadn't inquired. Mr. Taggart asks him to leave, which in hindsight was actually a gesture of mercy - he was going to call out his presumption and then show him the door, thus letting him live. Ivan wants to stay for that veal, though, and brings up that Mrs. Taggart had invited him to stay for dinner. Mr. Taggart is surprised at this, and asks her if she is *certain.* She is. Ivan appears to have decided against trying to overpower them, since he starts fishing for a monetary donation, "to support God's work." Mr. Taggart takes umbrage to the request, and while Ivan is distracted Mrs. Taggart knocks him out. In hindsight, Mr. Taggart might be the more physically dominating figure, but Mrs. Taggart is the more ruthless of the two. Mr. Taggart did not pretend to be impresse by Ivan, and was willing to send him on his way. Mrs. Taggart made a show of friendliness, though, because they were out of beef and she thought he looked worth butchering for his meat. She may have also sensed that he was untrustworthy, and taken some pleasure in bullshitting a bullshitter. I could enjoy this one many times. It is marvelously written, scored, shot, and acted. Everybody involved did a fantastic job with this short story.

[@mayooi8392]

i totally love the way the actors speak. it's clear and such a nice tone.

[@TheNinnyBug]

Best one yet!!! From the acting to the story. Could watch Ma and Da Taggert all day!! Absolutely loved them!!

[@Cander617]

Man what amazing acting, I'm here before the ending but I just had to express my gratitude for the acting here it's brilliant!

[@edyak6280]

Sorry, but this film was effing terrific! From the second He opened his eyes, I knew he was a wrong un. Then, when Ma whacks him over the head, I’m jumping for joy. Classic case of a big fish being eaten by a bigger fish. Congratulations to all involved, this was fantastic entertainment.

[@fancykarlmarx]

Why did you start with sorry? I don’t understand. You said sorry but then praised the film.

[@edyak6280]

@@fancykarlmarx isn’t language fantastic? It can be used in many, many ways. It doesn’t have to be correct, it doesn’t even have to make sense. It’s more a reflection on the writer, what they want to say and how they want to convey their message. The word “sorry” is often used before praise. I don’t know why, maybe used to signify an apology before stating the bleedin’ obvious. You see how wonderful language can be?

[@fancykarlmarx]

@@edyak6280 the english language is so peculiar. I’ll think of “sorry” in the same way that “bad” can also mean “very good.”

[@lycanthropy2944]

The man that plays Da also plays Lord Varys in the game of thrones, fantastic contrast of accent and an incredibly talented actor.

[@B30pt87]

This instantly became one of my top five films on KZbin. Absolutely top notch work: writing, casting, filming, sound, even the wardrobe dept. shone.

[@AlexandriaSWest]

Conleth is such a brilliant actor that I didn't even recognize good old Lord Varys until the very end. Great short!

[@TainoSurfer03]

The reason I'm leaving my comment is because this was One of the best short horror movies Alter has made. Love it!

[@taylorrogers4064]

Oh lord, the accents. I'm in love.

[@michaellyczak9337]

I love the subtle irony of the traveler calling himself a missionary. Made me immediately think of the old stereotype of the missionary standing in a huge boiling pot.

[@Melhaven1]

It took me way too long to realize Da is played by Conleth Hill! WONDERFUL performance by everyone! It's not the jumpscares that are scary, it's atmosphere and you all DELIVERED! BRAVO!!

[@leilanik2050]

I'm a retired butcher of 26 years. This hits home! Not actually physically eating people, but just the thought. When times get rough you do what you have to do. I've butchered some wildly different animals in my life.

[@Ashas.Garden]

Bears? Alligators? Dingos?

[@dayjonagarrett957]

Assholes n dickheads?

[@RandomFunLex]

Not actually physically people? Sounds like someone who does indeed-

[@fluffylittlebear]

Long pig?

[@Kit42069]

what's the craziest thing you've butchered?

[@ms_ga_cali1613]

This is why I don’t believe uninvited guest, or new neighbors. Take yo ass back home!! No, I don’t want to get to know you!!! And I don’t answer my door or phone…because I don’t want to!!! 😂😂😂

[@johndalton7810]

When they start laughing, I knew Ivan wasn't leaving...great film

[@spyforcekid]

Their laughter unerved him a bit, but then his greed and evil intent pushed him on.

[@conversevans43]

That was an unexpected ending hahaha! I loved the story; it was brilliant as the tables were turned in this one. The plot was great, and the cast was amazing. Thank you for the upload. I look forward to your future work!

[@tonyprice5344]

Great screenwriting and acting. Did not expect that ending.

[@recoveringmytruth8162]

This short horror film was 1000 times better than "X"!!!! Well done!!!

[@clarsach29]

Christ....for darkness, perversity and originality this has it all...i really didn't see it coming when the farmer's wife clobbered the preacher....but even before that, the dark, unsettling, awkward atmosphere was perfectly set and managed....bravo, this was a superb short.

[@munesnails140]

As a taggart this made me extra uncomfortable. Knowing a bit about my own family history, cannibalism was known with the first Taggart (actually TsTaggart. Through the years it changed to taggart. Also my family is Scottish and Irish) and i was really thrown off when I realized they said Taggart cuz I'm like dude that's not that common of a last name

[@brettzforeman]

At least your ancestors ate well. 😌

[@lesleyrussell8200]

my mom is from glasgow and in scotland was the folklore of the cannibal family the clan of sawney bean

[@annngieeeeeee]

brilliant. 20 minutes that felt like 1h30m but in the good way. very well done!

[@ZeeA0705]

That there is called karma being escalated perfectly… I honestly thought he was the one that was gonna minipulate the wife and husband but turns out that karma is a bitch and he’s the one who got played hahaha… just loving these short horror

[@deannaporter783]

Awesome!!!!! Freaking loved the irony of the hunted became the hunters! 10/10!!!

[@Cander617]

Hunted?

[@hope9930]

@@Cander617 yeah It’s a phrase lol

[@PixelTrixel93]

I'm honestly in shock... That ending was a big twist and I absolutely loved it 🥰Bravo to the creator of this tale, great work and very unexpected.

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Total masterpiece! A perfect short film! When 'Varys' then arrived, it was really a big surprise! Great Conleth Hill! Great everyone!

[@joys8726]

Varys it is

[@northernhighlandmist1478]

Everything is in the right timing! Especially the conflict escalation, to me it's like "a meal with all the right ingredients of the right measure, temperature, etc", well done!!

[@MrBaba65]

What??? Outstanding film. Every beat is perfect. Actors, brilliant. The menace is palpable. Loved it.

[@heathermauldin4951]

More Irish horror, please.

[@lesleyrussell8200]

thats not a short its an irish horror anthology movie from where they took this "tell me a creepy story" 2023

[@kristynash1042]

I love the accents! Love Alter! On my way to watch more….

[@Heath450]

Now I’m going down an Alter rabbit hole. ❤

[@pippishortstocking7913]

I highly recommend The Hidebehind! It still freaks me out!

[@johnnyblack4]

I didn't see that coming. Excellent acting by all.

[@MisterG2323]

Right from the E.C. playbook, classic stuff! Tight script, superb acting, well shot, edited, and scored! Kudos! P. S. Thanks, Alter...

[@clashdonerrin9044]

Just one small detail, Malaysia was only officially a country in 1963. So if the premise in the story is based on the early days of electricity in the British Isles, Peninsular Malaysia would have still been known as MALAYA. But overall, I enjoyed the visual narrative, good pace and the acting is top notch!

[@JC-uj3zj]

Soooooo good. I was watching their conversation and so drawn into watching for all the hints. Figured where it was ossibly going but the dialog was still sucking me in i didn't know who would owvrtake who honestly. I felt like I was watching a movie for a long period by the half way point. Great work!!! Bravisimo!!!!!

[@thewasatchjackalope8320]

I think it’s a nice and eloquent touch that they each casually avoided shaking his hand. But maybe I’m reading too much into it.

[@atimidbirb]

Well, we need to admit, the couple are real soulmates

[@clairekirkby7037]

Brilliant! I was glued from beginning to the end. I loved it. 😊

[@buddyismylife]

Thank you so much for putting so much effort into your films it amazes me how well you do overtime. Looking forward for more!

[@DetectSouthernOntario2479]

Just Awesome. One of the best Alter's I've seen & there have been lots of good ones. The casting was awesome. All three played their part perfectly. Thank you. Very entertaining.

[@Mashy8722]

I absolutely love the accents! This was absolutely brilliant! Brilliant! Crazy that some of these shorts blow these big name production theatre movies out of the water! And it’s awesome to see Conley Hill! He’s a fantastic actor!

[@joferbrasil]

It's hard to me to understand the Irish accent, but I love it!

[@sakellarioudimitris7439]

Yes, I thought it was Dutch for a second

[@TheGreenhillsCyclistInRagOrder]

You're not alone. I'm from Dublin, Ireland. Even us Irish have trouble understanding accents from other counties, Cork for example. A very thick Corkonian accent is very hard to understand, even to us Irish from other counties.

[@LCMM2150]

Turn on CC, my friends.

[@kathyd5225]

They do have closed captioning for, like myself, the deaf or hearing impaired. But I use cc a lot when the actors have accents that way I know what they are saying.....

[@pippishortstocking7913]

Still better than Scottish accents!

[@fruityice1873]

Her accent is 1 of a kind, love it

[@bozerford8896]

I loved this one! Outstanding acting and on of the best from Alter!

[@daisy_plush4391]

I can not explain why I found the shaving part so satisfying

[@tatyananachelle4684]

my jaw dropped when she said "in africa.... the darkies" like ma'am *clutched pearls*

[@faithruckdeschel1294]

Yeah, although I liked the film(and although there are tons of movies.....and Tarantino movies that overuse the "N-word" way too much)I've always felt like ALTER and the other short films were kind of a safe place from racism and racist type language. I'm biracial and it hurts both ways to hear bad things about all BLK folks, just like it hurts when all white folks are called racist. Irish ppl were also treated poorly by the British and thought to be beneath dogs, at least that's what I was told by a sweet Irish lady before? I still love Ireland and always wanted to go there.

[@godofmath1039]

They're Abrahamic / endorse missionary culture, so, while I was disappointed, I wasn't surprised

[@anti5895]

I am a dark-skinned man and my country was once occupied by whites, but we've passed it. What the fvck is wrong with the dialog, this is a movie. You over-sensitive snowflakes cannot live without feeling offended by everything every single day? What a failed human being.

[@calykoo69]

Spooky, I didn't see ma's hit coming. Lol great acting, great short

[@angelavolkov1126]

Even though I knew it was coming, that clobbering scene was probably the scariest jump scare I've ever experienced.

[@IssisP]

Precisely the twist I was hoping for. love these shorts.

[@billystrayhornsghost]

Excellent.Really enjoyed watching.The actors 10/10 for a great performance 👏

[@ArthurKibata_Official]

Such a dark twist of events, totally unexpected. I like how the "preacher" meets his match, I was actually waiting for the opposite. Great movie!

[@JusticeOuinn420]

Omg I totally called that from the moment she invited him in, I had a feeling in my gut that she had interior motives for sure

[@mekong7529]

Interior motives 😂😂😂😂😂😂... I see what you did there!

[@lanagoncalvesjordao7855]

One of the very BEST I've seen in ALTER! Thank you so much for the experience :)

[@mareir]

Conleth!!! I love him! All very good actors here, wow.

[@carlosidelone8064]

Very well done film. I did believe the man of . . . would loose his words. Excellent acting, script, photography and mine-en-scene.

[@jonathandavsi7944]

That was the best alter film yet 10 trillion stars

[@Deadssmilestudios]

Her:There's chalks in the back Him:Hello? Her: There's chalks in the back Him:hello? Her:THERES CHALK IN THE BACK Him:helo? Her:Is this man stupid

[@letitiaroberts6995]

This was amazing such perfect acting .the accents I could listen to all day myself love ma and da

[@lingcod91]

Finally, a film out of all the multitudes shown that has some relevance and shows the TRUTH and evils of religion and belief.

[@OceanBeyondTheSea]

This film was so entertaining! I loved the story, the acting, the twist! So good!

[@recoveringmytruth8162]

And to think...a thieving necrophiliac and cutthroat cannibals can all join together and supp in the mighty name of the good Lord!!!

[@lataviareed8042]

I love how nervous he got when they knew he was up to some.. NOT TOO SMOOTH ARE YOU 😭😭😭😭🤣

[@paullevine1813]

Great twist & fun interplay between them all especial Ma. At least we now no Where's the Beef !!!!

[@wandauriel]

This is one of the best I've watched on this channel 😮

[@doriancarnesi1727]

Alter rocks with another fine piece of short**** loved the music the cinematography **** actors terrific ❤️❤️❤️

[@charliemolina-antazo8366]

'The Good Word' is brilliant work.

[@susanpage8315]

“The red hand of Ulster” - not many people will get that reference.

[@bambi_bbholic6343]

What does it mean??

[@susanpage8315]

@@bambi_bbholic6343 It is an ancient symbol - an open hand in red. In the early 70s pro-Loyalist (pro-crown) adopted it as their symbol. It was at the time of “The Troubles.” The troubles was a bad time: the IRA and the Loyalists were basically committing terrorist attacks against each other. They were there to protect the Protestant Ulster (Northern Ireland) residents and neighborhoods. When I visited Belfast the red hand was on buildings and signs. It was a warning that the area was Protestant and that you were being watched. You always knew if the town you were in was Irish Republican (IRA) or Loyalist. Either way, you did not wear orange in the Catholic towns and you didn’t wear green in the Protestant towns.

[@bambi_bbholic6343]

@@susanpage8315 😯thanku so much for the explanation 👏👏👏

[@susanpage8315]

@@bambi_bbholic6343 you’re welcome. If you can ever visit N Ireland, I recommend it. Just avoid wearing orange or green! 😬

[@tkell31]

Great story. Refreshing to see a focus on story and characters.

[@delstanley1349]

When I cut potatoes I usually can't make the peels turn and turn. Ma did it with ease. It was then when I figured the gig was up for "Cutler" especially when she seem unbothered when he had her knife in his hand at the table, and SHE bragged about how sharp it was. I thought she was going to "do him in the missionary position" then and there since that was his posture. Never did I think that all she needed with those potatoes was....meat. Hence the prayers when the meat delivered itself. I guess if they had wine it could have been Holy Communion instead of the lord's prayer. Lesson. Hansel should never go into strange houses without his Gretel. Or the witch will catch and bake you! I loved the acting, dialogue, and the atmosphere...even if there had been no twist. Reminds me a little of "The Godfather," Michael murdering the cop in the restaurant scene, "try the veal, it's the best in the city."

[@oscardarrell]

great acting, i love the plot, the characters, the conversation, i think it's perfect, oh the Irish accent,,thats cool!

[@dirasparagus9526]

In love with their acting

[@yasmineuhlin7441]

Oh Lord Varys. Look at you now! King of your own little cottage and butcher shop 🎉😂

[@honestytruth828]

“Black man, brown man, yellow man and Redman!” What about Methodman???? 😅

[@rebelduck9077]

Ok this took a turn 😂😂😂😂

[@sevrin1965]

Fabulous, saw it coming, but that didn't make it any less brilliant, just more horrifying, Bravo.....great acting/directing/cinematography.

[@patriciamccutcheon1169]

Karma is always best served fresh.

[@RingJando]

A straight razor isn't held like pencil . . . unless you enjoy the ambience of a hospital

[@iluvw2e]

Ivan fr is spreading the good word when he was at the dark room 🙊

[@ghostrights9314]

This is strangely…wholesome? It’s become so rare to see depictions of happy married couples. Who cares if they’re crazy cannibals?

[@satyrosphilbrucato9140]

Nicely done. Among the best I've seen on Alter so far. Bravo!

[@The_Beast_666]

I love films where the messer becomes the messee!!!

[@scottross9023]

As soon as she said, "Ya better come in" I thought, BEEF! I wasn't disappointed.

[@julieholmes3447]

Cannibals say humans taste like pork

[@tootiejo857]

I absolutely love when the manipulator becomes the manipulated! Perfect lol

[@OlhaO.]

That was so nice! One predator thought that he was the strongest but...😁 And cool acting!

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Mmmm, long pork at the Taggert's. Delightful!

[@gomezgomez9665]

Oh my days that was amazing!! The atmosphere!! ☘️🤍☘️🤍☘️🤍☘️🤍

[@asteratiq67]

From BANGLADESH 🇧🇩❤️

[@jamieschettler8701]

CRAP ON A CRACKER ! ! ! I did NOT see that coming!! Frickin AWESOME!!!

[@saamusa59]

Brilliant dialogue and the closest to a happy ending from Alter!😂😂

[@willevans429]

well, I did not look at the comments this time as I did not want to spoil anything. When I saw the steering wheel I thought Australia, song about an Isle I thought Tasmania, then it was Ireland, what a great film, well acted, good story, great short movie well done, that was exciting, I will never read the comments again in these films, just get ready for something different

[@drophammer776]

Everybody's gotta eat 🤣

[@patient666zero]

I need part. 2, who’s win??!

[@eileenmckeown5219]

Stuart Neville wrote and directed this whoop! Hope there’s more.

[@StuartNevilleBooks]

Written by me, but directed by Stuart Graham. :)

[@asadasemwali8365]

Diabolical!!! NICE!!!