Horror Short Film "Play Me" | ALTER

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A woman wakes in a car with no memory of how she got there, and a man tied up in the back seat. Stranger still, she finds an audio recording with her voice telling her what to do next.
"Play Me" by Caleb Phillips
Watch Caleb's other film on ALTER, "Other Side of the Box":
• Horror Short Film "Oth...
#ALTER #horror #shortfilm
Connect with the Filmmakers:
/ caleb.j.phillips
"Play Me" Credits:
Produced by:
Caleb J. Phillips
Lee Stobby
Tom Bond
Katie Cetta
CAST:
ELIZABETH - Lindsey Garrett
MAN - Josh Schell
CREW:
Director of Photography - Laura Jansen
First Assistant Camera - Maria Quintana Barbosa, Luis Quijano
2nd Assistant Camera - Simon Kincade
DIT - Simon Kincade
Gaffers - Jerry J. White III, Christopher Wehba
Key Grip - Gyasi Howard
Sound Designer - Sean Petersen
Production sound mixer - Oscar Aramburu
Script Supervisor - Simon Kienitz Kincade
Behind the Scenes - Patrick Schmaltz
CCO - Phillip Wiedenheft
Production assistants: Landon Stahmer, Adam Godard
DI Producer - Dillon Bentlage
Editor - Caleb J. Phillips
Assistant Editor - Brian Reilly
Composer - Jasper Van Dijk
Colorist - Caleb J. Phillips
Visual Effects - Landon Stahmer
About ALTER:
ALTER is an ever-expanding platform for the most daring storytellers in the world of horror. We are a home, community and launching pad for our filmmakers. Slip into the dark, disturbing corners of cutting-edge horror.
Beyond our longstanding presence on KZbin, ALTER also operates a free streaming tv channel available on Samsung TV Plus, Sling, Tubi, LG, Redbox, and TCL+.
Learn how to watch ALTER on TV: linktr.ee/watchalter
Filmmakers should visit filmfreeway.com/alterdustsubm... to submit your horror shorts.
NOTE: Only completed horror shorts will be considered. Unsolicited scripts or pitches will be immediately deleted without review.
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About Gunpowder + Sky:
Creating content that resonates and impacts pop culture conversation, by empowering creators to take risks and experiment relentlessly in the pursuit of novel stories and formats.
Video Title
/ watchalter

[@mr.phillips]

Hey, I'm the writer/director of Play Me and would love to answer any questions you have. A few years ago I released Other Side of the Box on ALTER. So happy to be back! If you want to keep up to date with what I'm doing next, I just started a newsletter. Link on channel and IG bio!

[@internetjoseph7084]

This is a great one Caleb. Tremendous work.

[@mangledmango]

😎❤❤❤

[@MichelleZapata-ju1jn]

Too freaking good❤🎉

[@lacecox8920]

This was great I love cliffhangers but is this left to our imagination or ……. Or don’t tell me and let it haunt me anyway I loved it

[@Harleen_Roxy]

The Alter people claim an whole movie !! 🙌🏼🤩

[@denny9437]

As soon as he said , cuz you closed the window , that shit was spine chilling

[@mikequintero4748]

I had a feeling when he asked for it down he was planning the ole switcharoo

[@JodyJuice]

Am I stupid? Because I don’t get it at all. Why did he say she was a good person because she closed the window? And what switcharoo? I’m so dumb and confused 😂

[@kacperk2201]

@@JodyJuice he squeezed in the corner of his bag in between the window and when she closed it, the windows pinched it so he could take the bag off

[@publicdiary1983]

​@@kacperk2201maybe u are him...how do u know this...pipo ruuuuuuuuuun😂😂

[@starrkidd5746]

The absolute horror of not knowing why you just killed a man, absolutely love that ending

[@Lizardost]

The way I immediately thought he could use the window to pinch the sack and then quickly thought after that "Nah that won't happen"

[@jazzyjaz9108]

😂 I thought the same thing

[@shadytree1863]

S A M E !! 😅

[@com.passionatebitch]

I was kinda hoping that "thing" acted more with not being able to breathe, wouldn't have seen that coming if "it" did hahaha

[@AA14CBF]

This is what short horror movies supposed to be: Straight to the point, no long build up, suspenseful, disturbing.

[@mr.phillips]

That’s exactly what I wanted to make. Thank you!

[@edwardbostic531]

Been a while since someone did it right.

[@blackblurable]

You’re not a fan of slow burns?

[@cannanprasad783]

Some stories require build up..they can't be told straight and quickly.

[@edwardbostic531]

@@cannanprasad783 yeah but alot of them be whack

[@beastrage3062]

I think the scariest thing about this is that it wiped her memory already, and was probably playing with its food at this point

[@Rose-kd8yb]

What do you mean?

[@beastrage3062]

@@Rose-kd8yb the short started while she had no memory. So, assuming it really was a monster, it was fucking with her already

[@terzinjo024]

U didn't get it at all

[@trtjack]

​@@terzinjo024 shes mentally ill, right?

[@maxplunger263]

@@terzinjo024 explain then

[@mihalygabor162]

The psychology behind this short was absolutely stunning. Loved every minutes of it. Oh my. What a great story with only two people. The lights, the camera angles... all was truly mesmerising.

[@mr.phillips]

Glad you liked it!

[@user-yj6pu2hp3j]

felt so sad when she stepped in the recorder after losing her memory. so intense, so creative

[@ameliewolf7776]

If i ever was in a situation like this, i really dont know what to do. That fim got goosebumps all over my body. Great work ALTER!

[@hollyperrin7353]

You would know what not to do when you notice that your service weapon is a hammer and your car doesn’t work.

[@ameliewolf7776]

@@hollyperrin7353 well i guess yes😅

[@bigcityjunglecatenvisageth1422]

Well, firstly, in this day/age I would not have been without a mobile 📱 Secondly, I would have let the police sort it out and deal with the situation.

[@jonathanjohns6748]

@@bigcityjunglecatenvisageth1422you would’ve died

[@Key_and_Quill]

I think this is probably the best horror short I've seen in some time: no profanity, no sexual content, just horror. And it felt real, even with the very subtle supernatural elements. Well done.

[@TheSnoopyclone]

Nah, the one with the 3 guys going camping and talking about ghost stories. The short is called we’re not safe here. No this one is pretty good with the total recall situation.

[@mr.phillips]

So glad you liked it!

[@Duraragh]

check out their other work "other side of the box" you'll love it

[@Starry_Skye22]

Yes here to say watch his other movie "Other side of the box"

[@yung1717]

Oh brother

[@karentwinsproductions]

Honored to have worked on this awesome short!

[@TheDweeb002]

Were you the actress? If so great job. The production team is equally talented!

[@karentwinsproductions]

@@TheDweeb002 No, but she was fantastic! We helped with the editing and overall post-production process.

[@SorakaOTP462]

@winsproductions Tell me the secret. So was that person an SCP/alien or was she just a schizo? Please tell me, I'll sub you and watch your videos.

[@777tWill777]

@@karentwinsproductionsplease make more to this story! That was fantastic!

[@armcollector5856]

​@@karentwinsproductionsall u guys involved did an amazing job... as for the actress I hope to see more from her in the future I can see her doing big projects. Anyways wish u guys all the best & much ❤ to u all!!

[@tombarter3287]

Well he clearly wasn't her brother, given the way he taunted her in the darkness, forced her to look at his face and when she did, she lost her memory. Presumably when he died, his power went which mean she could look at his face without losing her memory again, but now she's lost in the woods with no idea how she got there and a dead alien!

[@Raiissa95]

Obrigada pela explicação!

[@GrimmRx]

She lost her memory after killing the hooded man, then stepped on her recording device. So she knows that she killed a "person", but she doesn't know why. I don't think it lost it's ability to make her lose her memory after it died.

[@user-rn3zx6qp4h]

Yep, unless a human can magically flip handcuffs from behind their back to in front of them to strangle someone... but also could be a dream, because when outside with the hammer, the claw position gets reversed

[@WeAmericans22]

I questioned if she did have a mental episode, much like dementia patients, where once they see or feel or smell something familiar they're triggered out of their episode and back to reality. Makes me wonder. But the handcuff thing, made me think, then again, given time could someone figure it out? Lots of questions.

[@Giggl3puff]

​@@user-rn3zx6qp4h Flipping handcuffs is surprisingly easy, just move them under your feet and to the front

[@bipolarbear9163]

i love how in the beginning i was convinced that the recording was legit and she really was in a life or death situation and that the “person” in the back seat was dangerous…. but as soon as she killed him, an inkling of doubt started to creep up on me… and then were left with no confirmation that the initial belief was true… amazing film! mindfuck for sure

[@-JaggedGrace-]

I think the fact that her memory got wiped when she looked at him was confirmation. Also the backseat dude turning, um, rather non-brotherly.

[@gemstar7286]

I kept thinking she really was in danger ,and that the 'brother' was some imposter or something trying to hurt her. But i'm wondering now if it was true or not , was she losing her mind, was he really her brother.

[@user-rn3zx6qp4h]

Yep, unless a human can magically flip handcuffs from behind their back to in front of them to strangle someone... but also could be a dream, because when outside with the hammer, the claw position gets reversed

[@twahly8170]

@@user-rn3zx6qp4hthe claw is always on the left of the perspective of the character. Watched it 40 times to confirm this is BS.

[@chiragkumar2536]

@@user-rn3zx6qp4h its simple i can do this too even you can do this its simple bro just bend slightly and through legs you can bring it infront

[@myriamduran3262]

This was so good! The atmosphere, the doubt, the acting! 10/10

[@ameliewolf7776]

Yes so true!

[@amariguzman7086]

How was your comment 4 days ago?

[@staceywebber8808]

​@amariguzman7086 lol I'm wondering that as well.

[@santhoshnta]

@@staceywebber8808 May be they republished?

[@myriamduran3262]

@@amariguzman7086 shit my tardis malfunctioned

[@Justanotherbabymama]

This was fantastic! I wanted it to be longer to be honest. It was a great story, the acting was awesome, and the suspense was amazing. This is one of the best ones I’ve seen.

[@rosabronks292]

I was really worried she would end up being mentally ill. It would have been such a snooze of an ending. This one was so much better, especially her breaking the recorder so she doesn't even know why she did it.

[@crochela]

This short film is amazing! It's well directed, the lighting is perfect, the score is excellent and the story is fascinating! I would love to see more of this.

[@BradsPitts.]

I think I get it, she killed him but then saw his face and forgot everything, and since the tape is broken she thinks she killed an innocent person?

[@jamiejoygatto]

Or not == we don't know if it is an alien (or villain) or if it was all a lie --

[@mr.phillips]

You got it!

[@-JaggedGrace-]

@@jamiejoygatto I’m assuming it was true, considering her memory got wiped when she looked at it.

[@jamiejoygatto]

But it could have been from her possible "disorder?"@@-JaggedGrace-

[@-JaggedGrace-]

@@jamiejoygatto Uhh... i guess, but massive coincidence that it triggered right when she looked at his face. Also there was also the rather sinister actions of her passenger.

[@user-rr1zt5go4q]

Thanks Caleb. Very good ! So you're the guy who made The Other Side Of The Box. That was suspenseful and terrifying. This film is somewhat different, but still well executed. I hope you're making good money from these little productions. People will pay to see a selection of short films like this one. All the best !

[@TessaLCastro1216]

The acting was everything. It set the scene. Gave the atmosphere. Made my stomach clench & my heart race. 110% Amazing job guys✨️

[@brentage5000]

That was good. Love it when its not just the narrator you can't trust, but the whole premise.

[@sallyoquinn]

Caleb's videos NEVER disappoint! Bravo once again, Mr. Phillips.

[@celine292]

Great work ! Confusion, distrubing, perfect lights... I love that type of horror.

[@kansailai5462]

This is really well done. I love when the viewer is left to wonder if what's happening is true or a delusion of a character.

[@tarzanaman3531]

That left me at wtf state of mind. Loved it!

[@wr9382]

I was on the edge of my seat from the very first second... total rollercoaster & and skillfully shot... what a rush

[@Sillyclowngirl]

Seriously amazing short horror film!! The concept is like nothing I've ever seen before, and the line about opening the window gave me CHILLS. Absolutely twisted and wonderful! 👏👏🖤

[@Ok.WhatsYourPoint_]

this was very unsettling to watch, the atmosphere and the uncertainty of trusting her memory.. Love it

[@jennyk4397]

Very good. Two great performances. Great atmosphere. You posed so many questions and answered none of them! Horror at its best.

[@louisafeliza]

LOVED IT! Now THIS is how you make a good horror short/movie👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👌🏾

[@ElChris816]

Excellent! This is how it's done. Great work by all involved.

[@boysgenius]

This was really great, I prefer this to any gorey/overly built up shorts. This wasted no time, straight to the point with an appropriate length. Great work!

[@palmbaypapi7452]

This feels like what an agent in the video game Control would experience out in the field. Loved every second of it.

[@ashbalbo3499]

I love Caleb’s films. He’s complex, concise, and every second is always so intense. Just mind blowing writing. I can’t believe this was only 10 minutes.

[@raypayaso]

About as deep as a puddle

[@ashbalbo3499]

@@raypayasothank you kanye, very cool 👍

[@chaos-fk6fs]

no hes not confusion and mystery alone doesnt make a story or horror

[@kevincousen3045]

mind game galore .... like a dark twisted Memento, luv it

[@carolanestanley4030]

Exactly!👍❤

[@spacefriend6588]

as opposed to the original memento, which was so light and airy

[@christianfedrick2366]

Other Side of the Box was incredible! Thank you for another great short film, they just get better and better. Hope to see more soon.

[@JamesJones-kv5uh]

This is a movie I'd watch the shit out of. One of the best horror flicks I've seen in the last three years. Good stuff happening at ALTER.

[@Breillz95]

Incredible! I was on edge the whole time

[@IKB2608]

Fantastic mind-blowing direction ❤

[@turlaune]

That was amazing!

[@its.mcbeni]

we need a prequel. this was awesome!

[@felipefaria2052]

Very good! Thanks for the content!

[@rotempeleg584]

I love that it doesn't have a bad ending. So refreshing

[@HannahEvansOfficial]

Love your short films

[@starsimpson6513]

I loooveedd this! I need a full length film just like I need a full length Other Side of the Box! Im not sure y u dont have more films out but I’ll definitely be waiting!

[@jewelhaines8842]

This was Amazing!! Loved every second! ❤

[@bradleyvandevort9584]

Damn! Very impressive short film. I was locked it from the jump. The filmmaking is top notch. I’ll definitely be following your career Caleb. 🤘🏼

[@BoRice82]

That was damn good! BRAVO!!!

[@Taskfourfive]

This was a really good short movie!!!! I was stuck watching it!!! Good actors and crazy story line! Need a part 2 Asap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Lawtubes]

I’m loving this directors work! Keep it up!

[@JenniferStam]

I loved this short film!! I was trying to imagine myself in this situation and the doubt that would creep in. It would be hard not to be confused and think that maybe you're crazy. Maybe he is her brother. Or maybe he's not. The whole time I went back and forth with conflicting thoughts. So good!!!

[@evangelinevang5090]

Yoooo this is good!!! From start to finish!!!

[@charlesreed5839]

OK, easily one of the best shorts around. Punchy and powerful.

[@antoineellis4412]

I loved this short horror film. Keep up the good work.

[@leonadrian7257]

This was very good! And I love the ambiguous ending❤ Keep making things like this! Psychological horror is the best horror.

[@-JaggedGrace-]

What was ambiguous about it?

[@leonadrian7257]

@@-JaggedGrace-he could still be a good guy, and it could just be a psychological condition.

[@-JaggedGrace-]

@@leonadrian7257 I really doubt it... I don't think there's ever been a case of somebody reliably losing their memory every time they look at a particular person's face. Not only that, why did they guy let go of her so he can toy with her now that he thought she was helpless? If he were really worried about her, I think he'd want to properly restrain her and get her help.

[@user-rn3zx6qp4h]

Not unless he is really bendy... his cuffs went from behind him to in front of him@@leonadrian7257

[@frankwafer6919]

Bravo...real scary short film, thanks!💯👍👀!

[@swimfast724]

This was easily one of the best short films I've ever seen. So well done 👏👏👏

[@swifty6759]

This is amazing. Great actors too.

[@alexofalexyel]

LOVED this one

[@samir_bapu]

This was great short, especially bgm, 👏 highway, broken car, and darkness is great combination of any short horror movie

[@Javimartiinez]

This director is amazing man

[@chandamara]

This is the best I’ve watched on Alter in a while. Fantastic job. This could be a full length.

[@DaBuddhaHMz]

Truly amazing. Loved it.

[@Rose-kd8yb]

This director is good, I hope once he makes a full hour long film he puts in his credits that he directed this and the other side of the box❤

[@BoonkyEdits]

This was really great. A very original concept to play with and it was executed superbly

[@melissaskinner4501]

Awesome-great watch!

[@shikhaofficial97]

Hey all Alter fans 🙋‍♀️

[@wolf44875]

😊

[@user-jd5no5ij6t]

Hello

[@biancagerman9808]

Hi There!!! 🤗

[@ginaleith1510]

Everything about that was AMAZING.

[@AtarGG]

Omg this is sooooo good. Roller-coaster the entire way, and the ending. 👏👏👏

[@khalisaareta2386]

Loved the music, it made everything so tense!

[@mangledmango]

i actually really liked this one!!!

[@Lord_Taron_Texas]

That was a very cool premise...

[@simplehonestmusic2261]

The ending is so cool!!!!!!!!

[@nicolecampb3ll]

Great work! I come from his other short film The Other Side of the Box. Both really good films!!!

[@H1dden_M1rage]

masterpiece

[@justinlorenzo1815]

Omg I freaking loved this I love the setting and everything I love the idea behind this horror film

[@mareir]

7:07 my face went 😵 Haha fantastic short.❤

[@olrtmz]

So good!!

[@user-sw5tt1em3k]

Dude I got so many questions! Lol 😮 this was AWESOME THOUGH!

[@richyvandegrift]

Needs to be feature long film loved it.

[@dtc119]

Great flick! Thank you!

[@TomHollandUpdates]

Thank you Caleb!

[@CodyCoonrod]

Question… does she lose her memory AGAIN after swinging the hammer into the neck of said person/creature? She stares into its eyes again when she swings, stands up in confusion to look at the hammer. So I’m assuming so. Meaning it’s more likely this is a creature of some kind if it’s able to erase her memory twice in mere seconds.

[@lunareclipse623]

OMG I DIDN'T NOTICE THAT

[@swimfast724]

Yes

[@catherineg9943]

Brilliant!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️

[@CobaN9ne]

I was COMPLETELY absorbed into this!!!!

[@thissucksiwannagobac]

I thought it would go one way...and just when I was convinced it would go another way, I was convinced it would go that first way...then it immediately went the OTHER other way...... This film totally manipulated me....and I loved it.

[@so-calledpunk323]

This guy did that Box film too! That creeped me out so bad. Super fucking talented, would love to see more

[@icewalker4703]

Here after Haunting Tube recommended it. Nice movie ❤

[@maureenokello6751]

This reminds me of Christopher Nolan's 'Memento'. Brilliantly done.

[@user-rn3zx6qp4h]

I would assume that was the inspiration

[@maureenokello6751]

I agree.@@user-rn3zx6qp4h

[@komalvishwakarma9740]

Now this was super amazing😮😮😮😮

[@blackblurable]

I enjoyed this one. Is she really the last one in danger or is it that she’s so far gone that she did all of this? Fantastic work.

[@Nilremh]

i love shorts with a story. this was good. im glad it wasnt just more mindless gore.

[@MichelleZapata-ju1jn]

God that was awesome! ❤

[@LittleHwangO]

This was great, such a tense atmosphere! I was almost expecting it to actually be her brother and that maybe she was delusional but I loved this ending so so much more 👏🏻

[@jamiejoygatto]

But we still don't know for certain??

[@LittleHwangO]

@@jamiejoygatto that’s what I was left thinking KINDA! I was like “do we have an unreliable narrator here??”

[@jamiejoygatto]

Because she is unreliable even to herself I must assume we as the viewer are meant to be left with that tension. @@LittleHwangO

[@exoplace]

​@@jamiejoygattowdym we dont know, when she looked into the mirror the creature had no hair, later he did

[@jamiejoygatto]

@@exoplace hmmm I only saw that she looked into the mirror and he had a cloth bag on his head? Perhaps i missed that part?

[@fredosleepswiththefishes]

Caleb Phillips, that guy knows how to make a horror movie. Loved the "Other Side of the Box", but in my opinion, this one topped it. More please.

[@FrogMonk79]

brilliant!

[@milli7868]

this was great omg

[@andymackie8283]

Woah! So good

[@terryjoy2395]

I really enjoyed this😊

[@CoryAnn666]

That was really good & different. Makes me want to see more & ask questions. Quick & made you think. Good flick