Other Side of the Box | A Horror Short from Caleb J. Phillips

A couple receives a mysterious package from an old friend.
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"It’s no secret that horror shorts have the propensity to be formulaic: creepy thing in the shadows menaces protagonist, and then, finally pops out for a final jump scare. Boom! Cut to black…rinse and repeat…
Granted, there are various takes on the template, often dependent on a high-concept hook or elevated by production polish. But, when you boil it down, films of the genre often fall victim to its tropes.
Bucking the trend, Caleb Phillips, Other Side of the Box is anything but predictable. It’s a rare example of genre suspense where you have literally no idea where it’s going. It’s full of misdirection and structural surprises that all work together to subvert expectation. Moreover, where most horror films take great care to not reveal the “creature” until the very end (before that final jump scare), Phillips basically does the opposite: in the film’s best creep-out moment, we get to see the “thing” right smack dab in the middle. It’s a perfectly executed moment that is both uncanny and scary. And, so, the film focuses on a different creepy idea: that of knowingly being watched and, to persevere one’s self, being unable to look away.
As Phillips writes to Short of the Week:
“I was so taken with this idea of terror coming from something as simple as being stared at, and the imagery of the head in the box deeply unsettled me. I’m a huge fan of cosmic horror and I wanted to make a film that felt more like an investigation instead of running from a monster.”
The film, overall, succeeds in its mission. It’s fun to discover the “rules”of the scenario in real-time with the protagonists and this structural drive allows the film to find new things to present to the audience along the way. Many genre shorts run out of steam once they reveal their central high-concept trick. Box, rather, keeps building complexity and tension, getting better as it goes.
Other Side of the Box won the Grand Jury Award for best midnight Short at SXSW in 2019, and as that accolade from that particular category would suggest, the film definitely skews strange. But, it’s also not inaccessible or abstract. That’s an important distinction. It’s a film that makes up its logic, but in doing so, never loses the audience. The mythology and character choices all feel like they make sense in the moment. And, of course, by relying on traditional genre thrills and suspense, it feels inherently watchable, never getting tripped up by its own inherent strangeness. It’s both bizarre and creepy in equal measure.
Endings (especially in shorts) are hard. This one is a bit tough to decipher, but structurally, it feels like the film builds to a place of satisfying climax. And, thankfully, Phillips never feels like he resorts to easy tricks of the genre. It’s the kind of film with such a unique hook and central image that it’s bound to stick in the back of your mind for some time to come." - S/W Curator Ivan Kander
Directed by
Caleb J. Phillips
Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)
Caleb J. Phillips
Nick Tag
Cast
Tyler Pochop ... Man in the box
Teagan Rose ... Rachel
Josh Schell ... Shawn
Nick Tag ... Ben
Produced by
Nick Coppola ... producer
Caleb J. Phillips ... producer
Nick Tag ... producer
Music by
Avery Kentis
Cinematography by Laura Jansen
Sound Department
Tyler Pochop ... sound
Camera and Electrical Department
Christian Phillips ... first assistant camera
Steven Talens ... gaffer
Caleb J. Phillips ... colorist
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Haharhel Valencia ... wardrobe Editorial Department
Reproduced on this channel with the permission of the filmmakers.

[@shortoftheweek]

Can't ever look at a box the same way again. Watch the world's best horror films on Shortverse ➔ shortverse.com

[@topd7566]

Bro it’s fucking FIRE. Saw a clip on tik tok and came here to watch the whole thing. Great work!

[@MilFerrei]

Having at least one subtitle in English, google can translate it into other languages. By voice recognition, the Google translation is not correct.

[@MilFerrei]

Foi uma experiencia unica, parabéns!

[@523Kimber]

I love this one. Watched it twice :)

[@shanusingh9521]

Great

[@lichtfilme]

The dude in the box was genuinely scary

[@StonedAlone]

for real, holy shit! I hd to exit out of fullscreen hah

[@anna-rf5rh]

I had a mini heart attack

[@PassionFlower29]

I was just about to comment the same thing

[@sallyoquinn]

My nerves were in knots to the last frame! Spooky, creepy, scary and ORIGINAL!

[@lichtfilme]

Stoned Alone lol

[@giandulay7581]

The scariest part was the loud ass ad popping up outta nowhere

[@casualcooks1735]

Ngl it actually made me jump back and scream a little

[@malicemike6875]

I'm glad I'm not the only person that the ads scared

[@ryantutterow7573]

I didn't get any ads

[@kylerice344]

Haha I feel that

[@KP_Gem]

That's why I fast forward to the end then start it from the beginning. No ads for me 🤗

[@Mari-gx7ns]

why are horror shorts so much scarier than actual horror movies, my heart was pounding watching this oml

[@panquequeques]

Because suspense or fear is something that you can't sustain for a long period of time. In a feature film you tend to lose the interest, in a short you have just a few minutes to be sharp.

[@peterschmidt4212]

@@panquequeques first 30 minutes of most horror films are just setting up the characters without even introducing any horror

[@SKIBIDIASMR9283]

I’m gonna touch the man in the box

[@thebestfrom361]

You gotta realize how smart this film is. At first I thought the creators made mistakes when we clearly see John look away but the man in the box does not move an inch. Suddenly they both look away and he moves. But that’s not a mistake, it’s actually the man in the box being smart and tricking them into thinking that anyone’s eye contact can keep him at bay and then he even says things that make John leave the box with Rachel knowing very well that as soon as John leaves he can have his way. Genius really. You could make this into a longer film and I would watch it!

[@theleaha2948]

I don't get it yet..what he wants ??what happened now??and how get in the box again ??omg

[@RevoTg]

I think it works like this: One person open the box, now he is in charge to play the game with the entity. The game consists in the entity trying to do and say everything to make the player look away and the player must keep looking at it and not being touched. The enitity hates the light, so maybe the game is related to the cycle of the day, the entity likes to keep the ambient black and humid, for this loves to put water over his skin, probably hates warm ambients and for this could be weak to sunlight, maybe like a vampire. Maybe during the day the entities come back inside the box and the game would restart the day after with the box that stay closed during the day, to start opening at night when the player is not watching. In order to be free from the game you have to give the box to someone else that opening the box will be the new player. If the player fails it becomes a member of the enitity. There is just one problem with this hypothesis, that the player have nothing to win, no prize, just survive, and that would be actually a good horror incipit.

[@ajyoutube04]

Who tf is John now?

[@ravenwright744]

A lot of people missed how his eyes followed Ben though. That’s how I knew it was supposed to be Ben and Ben on Lu watching the box. He kept his eyes on Ben the entire time

[@globallo3057]

I was on that too. This is a good watch

[@seanpazdera6407]

In these "Weeping Angel" scenarios, people always forget that there's nothing stopping you from punching the crap out of the monster while it's unable to move.

[@TheWiseCollector]

yh i thought just put a mirror in front of it test if it can move if looking at himself

[@kiyoko2525]

I'm pretty sure with the actual weeping angels if you touch them, we'll at least if they touch you they drain your life energy and send you back in time.

[@j__8627]

They had a knife could’ve cut me while they were watching

[@seanpazdera6407]

@@kiyoko2525 The actual Weeping Angels are made of stone, yes. There's a different ALTER film where the monster can only hurt you while you're sitting down and I'm like, WTF!?!?

[@The_Stray]

I had the same thought about the Weeping Angels. People keep saying they are indestructible when they are stone, but they showed how the Angels can be hurt as stones in the Angels in Manhatten episode.

[@josephcarman8682]

"Don't take your eyes off of it, it wants you to look away" Extremely immediately they look away

[@randomguy3004]

That’s why white people die in horror movies

[@InfiniteBeingX]

You can't look at it all the time anyways even if you tried. Eventually, you'll fall asleep. Which is the scary concept of this horror film. Impossible to do.

[@xsawra6333]

@@randomguy3004 ???????????

[@game_clips1739]

@@randomguy3004 shut up

[@user-nw7fj3ti1o]

@@randomguy3004 That’s racist.

[@adrianfisk]

Sean standing up when saying "Ben where are you right now?" is SOOO underrated. A tiny move but it's so effective. Makes "NO YOU" hit even harder

[@Danneleet]

Are you impressed by kids painting aswell?

[@0kewl]

"YOU, GODDAMN IT! I GAVE IT TO YOU!" That was legitimately eerie

[@hitenmitsurugi3225]

Guy's stare scarier than the whole Conjuring franchise

[@harlee4830]

😂 I agrea

[@blenzic6675]

Only thing scarier about this is the akwardness between Sean and the other guy

[@azkar65]

Bro even my dog barking at nothing during the night can be scarier then the Conjuring

[@Worm_On_A_Stick]

Not if you think about it,he looks like Mr bean-

[@2ndGear]

@@Worm_On_A_Stick That's what I was thinking lmao

[@franktranks9445]

"NO. BEN! YOU! YOU!" Hits hard every time.

[@WitchDoctorLarry]

english language is ambiguous some time

[@user-gk3lu1gg9t]

you watched this multiple times?

[@armyboybrodie]

Actor killed it!

[@andreimanole346]

@@WitchDoctorLarry ikr

[@paigemurray9578]

anger, panic, disappointment

[@zoopzoopzoopzoop]

No huge jumpscares and phenomenal tension building. Truly a masterpiece.

[@brady2075]

There was a jump scare with it grabbing him through the shower curtain

[@darthhavokk701]

"Don't take your eyes off of it it wants you to look away.." Shawn/Sean: Open the box first then read the letter. LMFAO

[@XthegreatwhyX]

He wants him dead because he stole his GF. He doesn't want to kill her though, so he made sure she wasn't in.

[@Stryder.]

“I think it’s harmless” Bruh

[@tomlawal7991]

Well, at least none of that 2 inch broccoli ended up on her plate

[@thejiggy]

Silver lining!

[@aronmanlapaz869]

HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA

[@aleshaford2968]

Just on your moms face

[@tessameow7249]

Hands down, best comment.

[@dominus_blue6525]

XD

[@sonydo8377]

Imagine this movie going for 1:30 hour long. It will break every record of horror movies.

[@loganwolff8535]

The slow creaking at the end, the "NO. YOU! YOU!!" When he's driving and realizing that his girlfriend is gone, the constant eye contact with the man in the box. This was one was absolutely phenomenal. Kudos bros, kudos.

[@slumdigger6464]

lesson of the day: dont accept presents from the guy whose girlfriend you stole

[@anonme_]

Seriously, that was the most important lesson in the movie. XDD

[@salfisher114]

Yeah

[@Lugh444]

Is that what happened though? It's left ambiguous, Sean is the one apologizing - it's obviously over the girl but maybe they are close friends and Sean and her had an affair ?

[@censored817]

I think shawn slept with Rachel behind ben's back he's the one apologizing over an over

[@Lugh444]

@@censored817 That is what I thought too! It could be either way I guess. Or maybe they were both in love with the same girl and Shawn lost?

[@bluejuniata9808]

In my house the box would have met with an unfortunate fire “accident”

[@nativesunnation8323]

Ikr?? 'It' loves water...so, how ya' feel about fire, sucka'??! loljk

[@graysengreen9852]

Yeah same I would have put it in my campfire

[@htcmlcrip]

And that would free the creep out of the box. Just as good as not staring at him.

[@commentlyspeakingtruthwhis7220]

@@htcmlcrip hummm....hadn't thought of it that way...

[@commentlyspeakingtruthwhis7220]

@@htcmlcrip I suppose you could lock the box with the creep in it in a steel box and toss it into the ocean...the logistics of doing this though.

[@KINGVADERofficial]

GREAT CONCEPT !! SO GOOD

[@relaxinglanae6194]

Tik tok sent you here too 😂?!

[@joa5152]

argentina better

[@RubenFernandez-eu4tv]

Please explain me

[@yaan526]

THE MAN IS INSIDE THE BOX

[@aarms4739]

Ben picked up a KNIFE and DIDN'T stab tf out of the thing in the box? 💀

[@N7junz]

Imagine how terrified Rachel was watching that thing climb out of the box when Ben left. Ben stupid lol

[@newlightning2306]

Exactly!!! Mind you, not gonna lie; my question to my other half would have been “where the f*ck you think you’re going?” 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Karatejin]

@@newlightning2306 I thought the same thing, lol 🤨

[@timpact]

I think that Rachel stabbed the box thing, but it was unaffected, and it was bleeding water. Because the knife was covered in water.

[@killeing]

actually i dont blame the guy, sean said you had to watch it, 99% of the time that means anyone, not just you specifically :/

[@suiwui]

I would have pushed that thing back in the box and close it then throw it away :/

[@michaelevershade5624]

I only have one question...Who is stirring the sauce? The recipe called for constantly stirring!

[@VladmirPoopN]

I don't get this reference... Or is it just a dumb joke cuz they had to STARE at it?

[@kaleidojess]

@@VladmirPoopN They were cooking before and one important part of the recipe was to stir the sauce continuously. We never got to see what happened to that sauce.

[@ladybee8894]

I hope the sauce doesn't burn, thooo/ lol,lol

[@erllrma]

This all happened because they stopped stirring the sauce.

[@TrezlynG]

The guy in the box got out to stir it, I think

[@tylerclement5969]

"uncomfortable horror" I think is best to describe the feeling I had watching this. Very creative and creepy. Reminds me the taste of Blumhouse's films and their simplicity. I have lots of questions, who knows if they will get answered after watching this. But I like the dark dark endlessness of the box! Very cool and very ominous!!

[@madhumiperera3607]

Ben says "it's just water under the bridge". And the whole plot revolves around water, as the man from the box is also wet, as well as the others who have come out of it. Sean was starring at it for so long even when it was probably Ben who had to pay attention to his past behaviour rather than Sean (Probably Ben caused Sean and Rachel's breakup). So finally Sean hands over the burden of past and mentions that it should be under supervision of Ben. This implies how past and emotional trauma can grow bigger and out of control if left unchecked. Literally, water under the bridge has the ability to drown a person if we don't pay enough attention and understand the situation correctly.

[@JacksSavvy]

Wow, an excellent analysis that's some deep thought-provoking existential shit. Great share and insight. I was getting the ex unburdening himself and giving the new bf something as a revenge for his loss but then why try to warn him not to return home? Things like this can get my mind to spin around a vortex of possible explanations. After all, isn't most outward examination we do of everything around us often a self-reflective look into our own never-ending abyss of flaws that stare back at us from the void?

[@haley3823]

then who were the people on top of the stairs? im so confuse d

[@arthurmezacasa1021]

Have you ever read Into the Water, by Paula Hawkins? It's a thriller novel about people who couldn't let the water pass under the bridge and then ended up literally drowning in a river. I finished it last week, it was amazing 😍

[@JacksSavvy]

@@haley3823 that's what I don't get either

[@terrezewilliams3656]

@@arthurmezacasa1021 oh wow. Maybe the reason why Rachel couldn't watch the box because the people from the box were people from her past relationships that couldn't sweep the water under the bridge? Remember Rachel was reluctant to see Shaun and reluctant about watching the box? Possibly the box represented a part of Rachel that she hid and literally wash away from others in past relationships. A burden that she passes to her exes. Shaun needed Ben to watch the box because the box is attached to Rachel (maybe she ran away or maybe she is one of the water people now.) Either Ben have to accepts what comes from the 'box' or drown in its responsibility of monitoring a certain behavior/secret/burden/truth of Rachel (man in the box.)

[@abductedbyaliens9425]

The only lesson I learned from this film is to never accept presents from dude named Shaun. Lmao y’all going hard in the comments now. I didn’t even realize my comment would get such a response💀

[@brittanysmart3507]

😂

[@katyaadem7584]

😂😂😂😂

[@abductedbyaliens9425]

Y’all know I’m right 😂 lmao I’d yeet that box out my place so fast

[@Msbabyl0n]

Lol

[@haddingtoniangcp2464]

Shaun or any Sean? Cuz I'll take a present in a heartbeat from Shawn Carter and Sean Combes 😄

[@autumnmaberry6783]

This was trippy and draws you in the longer you watch, amazing work. This one keeps you on your toes.

[@PaulRizzo]

That was fantastic. Great concept, great acting, great cinematography, great directing. I love how shorts like these give you no resolution, no explanation, no further story. It’s all left to your imagination and interpretation which leads to great discussion with other film fans who have watched it. Well done.

[@taira_2032]

09:06 'it could be harmless'.... ahah seriously? You got a creepy staring voice mimic ventriloquist from an endless black hole in a box.. surely harmless, yes.. 😂😂

[@minecrafter5654]

yes it is tottaly not gonna kill you and turn you into one of them... yes

[@Paranormalinvestigations]

😂

[@maheenahmed6653]

He also returned home, and went to explore the house even though something clearly went down. Not the smartest person

[@Brooksi333]

Trash azz boyfriend 👊💪😝🤣

[@yurilouback6331]

Yeah, the concept of the video was interesting, but they were so unbeliavebly stupid at the moment it kinda ruined the suspense.

[@caob1876]

Hey Honey, stay with this threatening cosmic creature while I go find my friend.

[@doloresmcmahon3033]

Ikr

[@drew2510]

I’ve had this in my watch later for a while now and I’ve seen the thumbnail so many times but I was not prepared for the chill that ran down my spine when they turned around and his head was peaking out

[@matth3760]

Really took that old saying “stare into the abyss and the abyss stares back” to a new level lol

[@xanthrax2976]

This had 0 jump scares and it was purely build up yet even more terrifying i hate it in the best way possible ty and goodnight

[@kylecantley]

I agree. 0 jump scares and still SOOO good. More like this please

[@kylecantley]

Reminds me of "Deaf" or "It Follows"

[@golemraven7765]

8:12 he's Kilroy is here.

[@pirahna_spiky]

Alright why did you say goodnight like that

[@Kazooples]

You don’t call that a jump scare?? I yelled

[@pavmx703]

The thing clearly said "Just Ben, don't let him leave the house." Why would you then let Ben leave the house?

[@lucasliew4924]

Ben technically can leave the if he facetime the man and looks at him.

[@sarojolibois6088]

It was a trick. Ben thought it was Shaun's voice recorder by the thing. He didn't think the thing would "mimic" Shaun's voice. So what they thought is that Shaun wanted Ben to stay inside the house, and to be the only one inside it, as some kind of evil scheme. That's what pushed Ben to investigate. Reversed psychology. Ben :"Huh, I don't want to do that" the thing : "Hey, the dude who gave you this cursed gift said he really wanted you to not leave the house" Ben : "Oh, that changes everything"

[@TheRandomLetsplays]

@Mutable Cloud110 To be fair, the man in the box probably didn't think Ben would be stupid enough to fall for it.

[@rebeccab1064]

@Mutable Cloud110 To make him leave - because he thought it was repeating Shaun said, who gave this thing to him to begin with. Ben doesn't trust Shaun after that, so naturally he'd be suspicious and be the one to leave the house - and it wanted him gone so he wouldn't be able to watch it and stop it killing Rachel.

[@andrewramlall3560]

"Don't let him leave the house" Ben thinks the rules apply to anyone watching it, so he leaves it in Rachel's hands. All part of the thing's plan, now it can roam uninterrupted with Ben absent. The thing doesn't care about leaving the house, but if Ben's gone, it won't matter

[@shaylynnlee6942]

Rachel? “Yea 🤗 what’s up?! 🤗🤗” Me: 🏃🏽‍♀️

[@cristinafoce9773]

This short is absolutely terrifying. I watch a lot of films or tv series or shorts, but this simple story about a man inside a box is really scaring and just because is based in a basic concept, that is only a man that is staring at you. No special effect, nor anything that is created only to scare you. But it’s a pure horror. I have felt the fear, the anxiety, I could have only waited for the end. And now I’m scared, and it’s not a common thing for me because I’m not supposed to feel the fear so easily. Good work, really. 10/10. I hate this video 😂 I don’t want to discover that there is a man that is staring at me and only moves when I’m not watching 😱

[@pattyzam5715]

"Yeah, What's up?" my ass

[@manifestationhappiness705]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@malinadokova5237]

👏👏😂

[@BornIn2Soul]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@janabanana78]

I'm reversing to my exit door bye 😀

[@jordanbrierley1255]

Should have Shot it, tried pushing it in (Although I’d wack A mole it because we don’t know if touching it hurts), calling the police while looking at it and also just not leaving your girlfriend with the most horrific thing you have ever seen

[@guilhermegoldman]

What I really wanna know is how sean pushed the dude back in the box to wrap it.

[@banana-uo3be]

Well, he just pushed him with his hands or something. I don't think it is hard.

[@janetwestwood9194]

🎁👈👀👉📦🦱🚿

[@SpookyUnitProduction]

Maybe wack a mole style?

[@blenzic6675]

Yeah I was also thinking why the guy who Sean gave it to didn’t do the same thing

[@billywashington5]

Its a film tho but make it realistic, calling the cops is what Americans do the most so why isn't he doing it

[@deriancruz2951]

This brought chills down my spine. No suspense/horror movie has ever done that to me. 10/10

[@tootybooddy8184]

watch it follows

[@kzmla]

"That's odd" I'd be flipping out

[@JohnWayne-ji5yf]

12:29 as soon as Rachel said yeah what's up I would have been full speed out the front door... Rachel's gone bro save yourself LoL

[@thesunrisechick6878]

guess he forgot it can fake voices. it did it with Shaun's voice

[@Nettie257]

Exactly Rachel was speaking like it was her at the pta meeting being greeted .. i would flew out the door and left her

[@mdl222]

YUP! Thought the same thing. "Whats up?!" 😬 ...🤔 🏃🏿‍♂️"Its what Rachel would've wanted."

[@Ldrlvr355]

The fact that he didn’t turn on the lights tho- LIKE JUST TURN THEM ON ITS NOT HARD LMAO

[@brejslim3790]

Hello! I would’ve left when I walked thru the front door and saw all the lights were off!

[@dudeman5246]

"911, what's your emergency?" "umm, we have an intruder in our house, please send someone" The End.

[@pinkgiraffe720]

Honestly that was my same thought

[@econ8840]

He would have gone back into the box :)

[@kidwhat6664]

well the knife didn't work. I wonder how well guns would...

[@juniortejada614]

​@@kidwhat6664 But by sending in the police, the case would become public and would become a government matter.

[@kidwhat6664]

@@juniortejada614 It still needs to be watched by the one who opened it. As far as we know, that's just more kills for the being in the box

[@TucksonFever]

"It Follows" vibes, but subtler. Great work.

[@MerStudiosYT]

I know this is old and all but for a person that enjoys horror film this is a masterpiece. I can barely remember any horror film after I watched it but this 15 min video has stayed on my mind for over a week now. Great job! Truly horrifying. I'll now go to keep my eyes on an Amazon package that I don't remember ordering.

[@arslanakram043]

Hahaha Man are you okay

[@kennythelastgamer5596]

I would love a full fledged movie with this concept

[@BaileyMartinAFC]

Agreed. This was a great start to a terrifying movie.

[@jacobyoung2091]

Da concept was brilliant to be a full 🎥; It would've gross a lot of 💰!

[@karfeishaolyia9567]

i dont think i could of face full nah

[@ginangiesumalinog8146]

true

[@madirives5726]

The weeping angles episodes from doctor who have a similar concept and they're really good

[@imagineer99]

Such a simple horror concept, but so uncanny and creepy!

[@rhondaweaver1581]

Exactly!!!

[@BluflameX2]

Paul jennings uncanny

[@summ3revans]

fr im hiding in the comments rn

[@northernhighlandmist1478]

I watch horror everyday but honestly this one REALLY got me scared, don't remember when's the last time I got goosebumps! good job!

[@DrevonCamacho]

10:55 literally gave me goosebumps!!!!!

[@bellametallica]

This is one of the creepiest things I have ever seen and it was literally just a guy poking his head out of box. I'm not even kidding, there is something about it that genuinely scares me. This is the kind of thing I wish more full length big budget horror films did. No scenes almost entirely taken over by CGI. No silly looking monsters/ghosts. Little to no jumpscares. Just keep it as simple as they possibly can. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some special effects once in a while but there are so many films that tend to go crazy and overdo it even if the CGI is totally unnecessary. That's just my personal opinion though.

[@coolbro3810]

Totally agree

[@ordine8142]

I jumped btw

[@daddyemu7047]

Yes lmao I saw this on Facebook last night and when his fucking head poked up I couldn’t watch it because it was late and I definitely wouldn’t sleep. Legit had a box by my bed that I put garbage into and I looked at the box twice just to be sure I was safe lmaooo fucking creepy. I had to watch this because my curiousity wouldn’t let me be😂

[@pryorb987]

totally agree with this

[@piehq8384]

It reminded me of the scene in parasite when the kid is eating his cake and the freaky basement guys face appears on the stairs, well creepy

[@lauracidoni6438]

This was fantastic, but realistically, how are they not screaming their heads off the moment they saw that head in the Box staring at them! I would have been in hysterics immediately!

[@sicklygreyfoot]

That's where I went, too. Horror truly only works when the characters are realistic. Their reactions weren't even close to that. This had decent creep to it, but that was all. You need follow through for successful horror. This didn't quite deliver.

[@sicklygreyfoot]

@@AnnieWilson-dg3wj They should at least react more than they did. If they saw a man's head sticking out of a box, they'd at the very least clamor to a different room.

[@jamilsuriel4406]

Not everybody would react like a pussy.

[@47hundo86]

suriel tv Ooohkay💀tell us what yu would’ve did then since yu think yu Batman😂😂

[@jamilsuriel4406]

47Hundo freaked out but composed and relaxed. It’s just how I am and some people. While some people would freak out on their emotions and shit their pants screaming 😱

[@goblintacos88]

This is the most unique idea I have seen in a long time, this needs a full movie, this is creepy as hell, great job, got a sub from me!

[@JaydragonM]

Ok, I know the answer is "because it's a movie," but like... their phones work fine. Why didn't they call 911 or the cops??? If a bunch of cops showed up to deal with the problem, perhaps it never would have survived long enough to get all the way out of the box. Or maybe they could have built a thick Plexiglas box around the box - while the target guy kept staring at the thing. Then they get a truck there, get an excavator, and order a load of concrete. Put it in a hole, pour concrete in up to level with the top face of the Plexiglas cube. Get a large concrete slab and lower it down on top of it all. All while pumping the target guy full of stimulants and having him constantly watch the entity until the concrete cap is lowered on top. Put salt and iron shavings in there too for good measure. Boom. Entity contained. Then call The "SCP" Foundation.

[@shortoftheweek]

Because it’s a movie… and this version is more fun ;)

[@JaydragonM]

@@shortoftheweek It's interesting, I agree and I disagree. In the sense that movies are stories - this story is definitely more scary, suspensful, creepy, and has the terror factor of not having control-of or even knowledge-about the situation they are in. But in the sense that movies are medium in which we are supposed to imagine ourselves into the scenario and suspend our disbelief - this one falls a little flat for me. I'm a scientist at heart. The police seemed like an obvious solution, and I REALLY wanna do experiments on that box!!!!!!! That would be just as much fun for me lol. But it was a good film! It clearly got my mind thinking about it and my emotions invested in it lol. Well done!

[@BestOnThursdays]

Just out of curiosity... Did they ever turn off the stove

[@G0d...]

nope they didn't

[@BlitzerXYZ]

Pretty sure the thing cut off all power for the most part so yes

[@chvckelvmbaringnetwork5286]

that gives me anxiety. wtf

[@rachie2913]

Maybe the house burnt down with them and that man in it So happy ending😂

[@ladybee8894]

OhhhMyyyyGoshhhhh, they didn't turn it off.

[@awxp1813]

maybe it's just me but my first reaction seeing that thing's head pop out the box... i wouldve literally been beating it with whatever was close. their reaction was so nonchalant

[@soleilsonira4467]

lol im waiting for some dude to come here and say u wouldnt have balls for that

[@michaelblankenau6598]

Don't know why they called him it . Looked like your average dude to me

[@kaleidojess]

I’d probably do the same thing, that or throw it in a lake or better, throw it in a fireplace. Burn baby burn 🔥✨

[@storm683]

Boy i would've just laughed my ass off first and than done the same

[@kevin6988]

FOR REAL I WOULD OF POPPED OFF ON IT SO QUICK 😂

[@WaffleStomper69]

This short film haunts my mind.

[@efxblazexd5242]

This needs to turn into a full film like, scared the shit out of me 👀

[@Meagain1]

Every time I rewatch this video, I get genuinely impressed by how smart this monster is. Not only it made it's victims think that anyone can stop it by keeping eye contact, it also made it look like it can only repeat what people say, which is not true. You can spot it by relistening to what it said: when it copied Ben's phrase, it repeated the phrase wrongly by omitting part of the words. Then it repeated what Sean said: "Sorry, I need to go", but it adds a sentence which wasn't said by him: "Just don't let it leave the house." Why did it add this line? Simple, in order to make Ben leave the box at the house, instead of taking it on car with him. And so, the box was left in the room, with Rachel, who's eye contact can't stop the monster. This is what Sean meant when saying: "It's lying to you. I don't know why, but it lied to you."

[@Butters5498]

oh shit that makes way more sense

[@notmirian2357]

bro how are u so smart

[@Coolkidcoolkid1789]

@@notmirian2357 not sure if you’re being sarcastic or not, it’s not that hard to understand the story’s context

[@notmirian2357]

@@Coolkidcoolkid1789 sarcasm obviously

[@seife41]

@@notmirian2357 sure sarcasm... Obviously

[@joejensen2386]

When the Shaun started yelling that Ben had to look at the box I had chills run up my spine, just knowing that it got out

[@clickbaitosaurus1977]

Best part of the whole video in my opinion.

[@Grietjie100]

I don't expect the ending, I need closure. Is Ben killed or part of the gang now, what happened to Rachel? Was their attitude towards Matthew because he disappeared from staring at the box all this time? Did Ben at least fight back a bit, swing the knife like a crazy person, acedently killing Rachel, did Matt rush to their aid. The real horror here is these questions I'll have to somehow answer in my dreams tonight.

[@megamind6514]

I watched this while trying to sleep... just for a good laugh. I have now switched on my bedroom light... just for control. Probably won't go out of my room too

[@ChannieVee]

So when I rewatched this I couldn’t help but wonder if there was some connection to the sauce. I know it sounds stupid, but at the start she goes to stop him from chopping the broccoli and he freaks out and rushes her to keep stirring the sauce, telling her it needs constant stirring. It’s sort of ironic and I assume it was a deliberate move but maybe it’s just a coincidence.

[@samim4855]

you always have to watch your sauce attentively ! that was the lesson. lol

[@essbi]

lmao

[@chiefinspectorshine]

@RexNovem And she said, "You're getting me wet". When he came back, it was water, water everywhere. 🤔

[@tomakiegaming6343]

I think the sauce was used as a representation for the box, notice how they were really focused on it but then they got distracted by his friend and the box and they never went back to keep stirring the sauce? I think that was foreshadowing how they got distracted later on and weren’t being attentive enough, especially when they didn’t even read the full card to get more information.

[@trousersnake81]

@@tomakiegaming6343 double twist: the box was just a normal box... until the sauce wasn't stirred...

[@user-xp1xm8pr5j]

How do you leave your gf alone? All three of us would have been riding around looking for Sean...btw stop opening the door!

[@GodlordBazi]

Just close the damn box again. It worked when this Shaun guy brought over the present, he didn't have to look at it or anything and the naked wankers inside it didn't move at all.

[@tiahnalorin9167]

GodlordBazi RIGHT! What the hell is seans backstory! I’m suuuuper curios!

[@DragonsTooth]

“All three of us would have been riding around...”? Does that mean that you and your gf would have brought the guy from inside the box with you? 😂

[@xfieran]

@@DragonsTooth Sounds like a fun road trip to me

[@lalinmoon3610]

@@DragonsTooth lol 🤣🤣

[@tonihiltunen3650]

I eat horror movies for breakfast but this is what i needed after trying to find good horror for a change. Gave me genuine chills that's hard to find these days horror movies.

[@CuPcAkEsUnIcOrNs11]

This was phenomenal. Definitely would have watched this in a whole movie. Bravo

[@minecrafter5654]

"YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO WATCH IT... DONT GO BACK THERE!" *ignores him and goes back*

[@skyler12snype]

As would most noble men for their ladies

[@maciekkadziela4592]

@@skyler12snype He should have never left her alone with that thing if he were so noble... :/

[@thesensur6214]

That’s what happened, you done figured it out. Mr “I saw the film and couldn’t think of anything of merit to say so i just described a scene with no added thoughts”

[@astrolillo]

@@skyler12snype The simp is strong in you Mr Neckbeard

[@skyler12snype]

@@astrolillo But I don't have a beard. kekw

[@miamor8663]

Ben: We don't even know what it is. It cOuLd bE hArMlEsS." It's a weird creature inside of a box that's trying to kill you. Suuure. it's DEFINITELY harmless lol.

[@taracollins5597]

I know right! Not to mention an ashen-faced friend drops it off...saying "I had to give it to...someone. I'm sorry!" Not to mention its a terrifying sweaty staring HEAD in a box!

[@miamor8663]

@Ashley-MaRie Deeble It doesn't matter what its goal is. It's a creepy thing that creeps out of a box when you're not looking. Run.

[@MsHojat]

"Realistically" there would indeed be a very high chance that it would have been harmless. It's just that in the case of a horror show (or even any work of fiction in general) the authors tend to make it hostile because it's more interesting that way.

[@miamor8663]

@@MsHojat Idc. If it's coming out of a box, and if it follows me when I'm not looking, then I don't want it.🙅🏾‍♀️ It's not harmless.🤷🏾‍♀️

[@victorlee9680]

My heart is pounding and I got chills everywhere 🥶

[@brenneallen286]

i watched this two years ago (i came back here to link it to a friend) and i refuse to re-watch it. it one of the scariest things i’ve ever seen.

[@ThatsTotallyNot.]

“We can’t look away from it” “What happens if we do?” “That’s what we need to find out..” Me: 🤦‍♀️

[@isirenx2489]

Init. He said don’t look away for a reason

[@ChristopherLRussell]

12:25 Me - "Rachel?" Rachel - "Yeah, what's up?" Me - "Ok just checking. Imma head on out..."

[@JohnDoe-ho6mq]

Thanks for the heads up. Her head will be fine.

[@ChristopherLRussell]

@@JohnDoe-ho6mq 😂

[@ljbigbull184]

Lmfao yep

[@ljbigbull184]

Insert spongebob meme 🤣

[@jackcarterog001]

Yep. If you then called 9-1-1, police will almost certainly be killed in the process of them discovering it's real. They'll walk right down there thinking your box story is complete BS.

[@DarkminiStoned]

Seriously the best short horror movie out there, thats last scene gives me shivers

[@Gayer_Mateo]

Whoaaa that was so scary!! Spoilers below: I was expecting that, upon Ben's return, he would find Rachel the one half her head out of the box, all wet and wide-eyed and the other box creature having vanished, hinting that he was at some point also a victim of whatever the box is/contains.

[@alexiawillhoite152]

I feel safe knowing that everyone agrees with me on how dumb of a boyfriend he was

[@soleilsonira4467]

lol not everyone does, some think he would be a simp or an incel. some make fun of feminists, funny times we live in.

[@michaelblankenau6598]

Dumb and unhung . A sad combination .

[@darrylanims9137]

The boyfriend didn’t even know don’t blame him one two the instructions didn’t say BEN YOU JUST WATCH IT so like

[@Niloc90]

You know she wanted to stay right cause he said he has to but then she said that’s what it wants

[@BigTuv]

@@darrylanims9137 I mean it was pretty obvious it said been and they knew you had to look out 2 and 2 together

[@CherryDolce93]

Bro that’s my reaction when I see a cockroach in my kitchen, these people barely reacted when they saw a head in a box

[@twinklestar620]

Cockroach? Where there hell do you live😳😳😳

[@ahzar4384]

@@twinklestar620 America

[@maiyamapp6282]

That's a fact....

[@redandroidra8740]

😂😂😂 Enz Di Cristofaro, me too

[@travisbickle126]

I'm hungry for some JACK-N-THE BOX BURGERS.!! How bout you?

[@odaze5168]

Saw the KZbin short and it got me curious lol 😂

[@adriansavage1253]

Excellent work. That's how you do suspense and horror

[@McSirrington]

Literal worst boyfriend ever. Who the hell would leave their girlfriend alone with an unidentified paranormal being, basing her safety on totally assumed rules it must follow? Also why the hell didn't they immediately call the police? I just cannot suspend my disbelief because of the lack of 911 calling. Any rational human would call 911 within a minute of seeing a head popping out of a small box. All that said this horror short is great and super creepy

[@bushy75]

you are correct david

[@amandaroman3471]

Well... if he had common sense there wouldn’t be a movie would there. In fact there wouldn’t be. Horror genre at all if common sense existed lol

[@dontcare9462]

And say what? "Hello, my friend just delivered a box to me and now there's a head peaking out of it?" Yeah goodluck explaining that to 911

[@priyamanobal]

I mean what was he supposed to think if the note said watch it? I don’t think anyone would know that it meant only that specific person could watch it and no one else.

[@McSirrington]

@@dontcare9462 Here’s a crazy idea Paul. You call 911 and say “there’s an intruder in my house”. When the cops show up you SIMPLY DIRECT THEM TO THE HEAD IN THE BOX. How could you not figure that out?

[@samtarkk1]

Truly scared, so I'm writing my interpretation instead of sleeping. Well, perhaps more my observations. 1) The title is the OTHER side of the box. That's interesting. Inside the box it's pitch black. And apparently, there's lots of things in there... Wonder what that could mean... 2) The "thing" has at least one purpose, to trick whoever has the box into looking away. It also has a lot of other tricks up it's sleeve, but it doesn't show them all at once. Shaun didn't know it could echo voices, and it seems he didn't know there were multiple in there. 3) There's knives but no blood. There's dark and there's water. Does the knife have water, or is it goo? No idea... Water is usually a symbol for rebirth or baptism. It's also essential to live. These dark, terrible creatures seem attracted to water almost as much as to the dark, as can be seen by the lights that are destroyed and the taps that are left running. And one of them is bathing in the dark.... Creepy. 4) The one detail that irks me is that Shaun figured out how to repackage them and deliver to someone else. So there's something else missing, but Shaun is not letting on. Though if you're dick enough to force this on someone, you probably won't tell them how to get rid of it so it makes sense. So looking at these four points, there's maybe a trivial explanation to the things. I don't think they set out to kill, or else there'd be blood. I think they're out to capture the box owner. Probably they drag them into the box, making them another thing like the ones on the staircase. But maybe destroying lights is them extending their dark world into ours. It is the OTHER side of the box, after all. I'm unsure as to whether the end game is to turn out the lights so you can't look at them, or to grab hold of the box owner. Also, no clue what happens when they do reach you. But my bet is that they assimilate you into the box... They box you in, if you will. I mean, they already assimilated Shaun's voice by echoing it. Also there's no clear sign they killed the girlfriend. I'm guessing she might be in the staircase group. So how do you beat these things? Literally try anything except what this doofus did. Try to shut the box, burn thehe box, bury the box. Figure out how to give away the box. See if these things can be hurt. DO NOT DROP YOUR FLASHLIGHT. Keep lots of mirrors around. If all else fails, throw these abominations into the same well where they threw Samara from the Ring. Hopefully they'll mutually torture each other for eternity and leave the rest of us alone. What do y'all think? I'm curious to see other theories out there.

[@Phalxxx]

My theory on how Shaun packaged up the thing (barring him having extra knowledge like from a witch or something): When Shaun received it, it was a smaller box. Either a smaller person came out, or it was just a slightly smaller box. Shaun got a bigger box to put around the whole thing before the person rose too high out. Once the box was sealed, all of it's darkness poured into it's now larger space, but was contained until the larger box was opened.

[@person4401]

That's a really good theory

[@aditidev5124]

Even I thought the same.

[@Spectre-xj7lx]

Damn. Someone took their time to analyze a conceptual short film. Good work, you saw some stuff I haven’t even thought of.

[@Extra_050]

No, I agree. Shaun's motive for giving the box to Ben is the weakest point in the plot, in my view. It's only hinted at in Rachel's reluctance to see him when he calls and his observation of her picture, both of which suggest that they had some kind of past history and/or relationship. At the same time, Shaun tries to stop Ben from returning home, so you can't just say it's as straightforward as Shaun wanting Ben out of the way so he can have Rachel all to himself. Also, he worked out that it's dangerous to look away from the box and learnt how to repackage the horror within and pass it on to somebody else, but didn't know it was capable of speech, or at least mimicry? It's as if the creators hoped that the creepiness would override curiosity. I could go into the presence of clichés, such as horror film characters being foolish, or of yet another scene where a character runs from something and then trips over, as though out of obligation, or of the loss of a torch, but the film was otherwise good, so I don't let these things bother me as much as the Shaun/box mystery.

[@relaxinglanae6194]

But how did Shaun know that only Ben couldn’t take his eyes off of it ? Who gave it to Shaun ? What happened to Rachel !? What happened between shaun and Rachel !? Ughhhh I need answers !!!! We need a full movie NOW !

[@NEILJOHNRA]

My Interpretation: 1. The man coming out of the box is actually bottled inside it and is sort of like a GOBLIN, looking at his stature. 2. The cardboard box is symbolic of a medium which connects the real world to a third dimension where the being exists. Similar to the movie Ring, where the medium of connection between the 2 worlds was the VCR or T.V. 3. The man is seen dripping with water which implies that the other end of the box leads to a portal to a well. The man requires the water for survival and that is why he is found in the shower in the end. 4. The man also tricks Ben into thinking that even if Rachel keeps an eye on him, he will not move. Goblins are smart! 5. The silhouettes which are seen in the end are of those people who have been murdered b4 by the goblin as they too are soaked in water. Rachel's (assumption)fingers are seen dripping water which means that even she was drowned to death by the goblin. 6. The end scene shows us that the silhouettes also approach Ben in the same manner as the goblin does and then the lights go out implying the death of Ben by the hands of the goblin and his previous victims. *Also to be noted that when Ben came into the house all of the lights and switches were broken. This was done by the goblin so that Ben can't see him anymore and if he can't see him , the goblin moves

[@tootybooddy8184]

I'm sorry, this is very stupid

[@originalnilson]

Man, when he got the knife I thought he was gonna stab it. Then he gave it to his gf and booked it. Dude! Stab it! Light it on fire ffs! 😂

[@bungbananaman]

Well at the end there's shown to be more than one of these things. We don't even know how many there could be. So try killing one of these things. Now try killing 5-10 of them

[@Fahren_o]

You don't stab the head of a man just because he's staring at you lol. And i doubt a lot of people would actually have the balls to do such things. I even doubt a lot of people would even dare to approach this thing

[@stunt4248]

When he got the chair I thought he was gonna hit it, but no, he wanted to make sure his gf was comfy while watching that creature lmao

[@VladmirPoopN]

@@Fahren_o OMG YOU ARE SO WRONG lololol When dude gave his gf the knife, I wondered out loud to my guy about why they didn't just stab it. // Idk if i would stab it, but, I would probably try to shove the head back in the box. *why the heck wouldn't you approach some weird effing thing that was threatening you - but smaller than you are?

[@Fahren_o]

@@VladmirPoopN Ok so you're dealing with unknown danger or psycho with a knife 🤣😅😅😅😅 You're not the survivor type ....

[@ianmccombie2476]

The box is a metaphor for the sauce, always keep your eye on it

[@annaxyz000]

it makes sense

[@captaincusto5857]

Really, this comment is GOLD!!!

[@luisfesiguevivo]

Blow mind

[@brunorossibonin788]

And what happened to the sauce after all?!

[@Kaikuuzen]

@@brunorossibonin788 it burned and everyone died.

[@kellysnyder1405]

Awesome! At the end I was all "aw come on....!!" Leaves off for my imagination to finish the story! Exciting!!

[@the.h.is.silent]

Way better than Smile. I would love to see this as a full length film!

[@k9421]

It honestly gave me chills when Sean said "NO BEN YOU YOU YOU!"

[@kashmello]

I _love_ how people are utilizing silence more and more in horror. Such an unexpectedly tense atmosphere, and so much more chilling than any jumpscare could be.

[@Ellaella94983]

I need a part 2!!!! Plsss 🙏🙏love scary movies and these short films are the closest I get to scary. This box one really got me.

[@ChristoConfido1985]

Proof that it's possible to make scary, creepy, horror movies without flooding them with nudity, unnecessary sexual references, and a ton of blood. This was geniunely frightening. Hats off to the creator. This was better than 90% of the horror crap that's come out of Hollywood in the last ten years.

[@summerhope4250]

plot twist: it was all for bens surprise party and when the lights come on theres cake and everything

[@gwenpineda9669]

lol i lose my creeps

[@Vanned.]

How do u know

[@oggaming7362]

The cake is a lie...

[@natalysanchez7375]

i love this ending

[@joshw9037]

Ben’s or bens???

[@sassycat1825]

An amazing short one. Very well done and with a great plot.

[@ostavkaaabcde8578]

please make a long movie about it, that the best thing that I can see since long time

[@DOOMZlE]

As a horror dev, I must say this was true horror. This masterpiece does not rely upon silly popups or overexaggerated volume, it's scary on its own and I love it. Hats off to Phillips. *EDIT*: A week later this idea still haunts my head. Absolutely love this short film.

[@norbertpall9534]

indeed

[@lagoondiver]

I agree. It's one of the scariest Alter horror shorts I've seen so far.

[@victorbazooka4327]

I only have martyrs 2008 on my list of movies that haunts me. now this is added.

[@siddharthbhoyar9737]

@@victorbazooka4327 watch antichrist

[@victorbazooka4327]

@@siddharthbhoyar9737 I have seen it. I also am from Denmark so I know Lars Von Trier films are good. Still it does not haunt me as much as Martyrs (French version). I think Antichrist just show how fucked up the human point of view on death is VS nature, and to me death is not that bad of a thing. Torture is very fucked up though and basically something only humans do. I have stopped watching gross movies and haven't until i felt upon this master piece.

[@AlJayPettersen]

The horror in this is so effective. The couple doesnt understand what it is, but theyre trapped by it immediately. Spooky. No monsters or scary creatures, no jump scares. The anomaly just stands there. He's just a dude. But still massively unnerving and terrifying. I love this

[@zombienova6]

Looks like a dude.

[@anystolengoodsarenowforfei1133]

personally, i would be way more scared of just a dude in my house than some weird monster, idk why it would just be more scary

[@boshlovely2002]

@@anystolengoodsarenowforfei1133 to me the idea of humans is way scarier than monsters and stuff humans are real and we know that, so things that involve them are going to hit closer than monsters and ghouls and all that at least that’s how i feel

[@taracollins5597]

While I know what you mean, its not just a dude. Its a monster and/or demon taking the FORM of a human. Creepy as anything though!! :)

[@playdoug12]

@@taracollins5597 what makes you so sure it's not a human, aside from the actors referring to it as an it?

[@holafeaful]

What a great short film. Amazing I was so scared the whole time. Congratulations to the team

[@wreckingball8881]

You told a better story in 15mins then so many 2hour movies!

[@LErghan]

14:11 - Rachel was there, struggling without being able to scream... In the box is a bottomless lake, into which thousands of people were taken in the darkness.

[@LinZhasInfiniteSwag]

Hell.

[@LinZhasInfiniteSwag]

@Xisor Snowyy in the Bible Hell is described as a lake of fire where anguish goes unnoticed (paraphrasing of course) Explains why they needed water running. I wouldn't be surprised if some of this had influence from the Hellraiser franchise. That's how I interpreted it anyway.

[@snigdhadas1072]

This is called actual creativity! Scaring audience without any nasty bloody scenes and jump scares! I loved it! ❤️✨Great job!🙌🏼 Keep it up! 💪👍

[@martinr4884]

Snigdha Das , absolutely! Although I would have preferred to get a shock at the end, I felt the "it happened with the the lights out" ending was actually a bit of an anti-climax after such an effective build up. (By the way, I don't generally like horror, because of the buckets of very fake red paint that directors feel they need to use, but I do enjoy suspense and the occasional fright!)

[@peko-san227]

This is what we call HORROR

[@joanlovett8322]

It was horrifying and not horrifying at the same time

[@dragonslayer101]

What a sterotype.

[@devonferris]

FOR REALS, that head staring at you is the most freakish thing I have ever seen.

[@cammie0105]

This was scarier than any full horror movie I’ve watched. Very well done!

[@Celice]

dang this was amazing, good job

[@michelevroomankennett217]

As I watched it during the final 30 seconds, a firetruck came down my street with sirens blaring. Heart rate still not back to normal. Love what you were able to create and hope you will keep going!!

[@jamisteele4098]

😂

[@tiahnalorin9167]

Haha oh boy! 😂