Within the Dark - Short Halloween Horror Film

Connor Kwilos' "Within the Dark" is the story of high school senior, Max, facing the realization that the fun of his childhood is over. The weight of such a revelation culminates on his favorite holiday, Halloween. The depressing nostalgia of his trick-or-treating years takes over, as Max's mind becomes more and more entangled with the sadness of saying goodbye.
Opening track / End credits music by Blacksona
Holland Road Films presents
Starring Jared Himes
Written / Directed / Edited by Connor Kwilos
Produced by Scott Dancy
Contact: [e-mail]
Twitter: @UltimateConnor
My website: connorjkwilos.wix.com/connorkw...

[@geezumthegreat8241]

These shorts are better scary movies than big ones these days

[@79Bobola]

Agree!

[@victoriareynolds9435]

U.R. Games agree

[@angelanebedum1749]

Geezum The Great i wish the short films were longer and didn't leave us hanging in the end with the victims, just as the big bad monster is closing in

[@chemicalwaste_]

Geezum The Great so true

[@ablacktemplar1971]

Geezum The Great really really true

[@magdalenerose7379]

Did anyone else notice that when the little boy who asked to come inside left, instead of saying "bye" he said "I'll see you later"😳

[@brodymccourt1211]

That was me.

[@summerrose299]

I dont understand people who never have curtains covering their windows. Dont they realize anyone outside can see where everyone is in the house and also all the things someone might break in and steal when no one is home?

[@christibarrick1768]

Yes!!! If you have lights on in your house at night people can see straight in and see everything!!

[@egyptjohnson8076]

When he said "Whats that in the window?" I woulda said "Dont worry about it" and closed my door......and started using the peep hole

[@slinkysmurfette]

Creepy cool! At first, I thought the guy attacking him (when he stabbed the dude) was gunna end up being his dad playing a Halloween prank on him, but I was wrong. Good twist.

[@isaacruder9193]

I was thinking the same thing

[@mistrjt9213]

That would have been a better ending than this one.

[@___GFY___]

same. now i'm left not knowing how it ended bc i don't get it.

[@pcrecoverysystemdiamontilu3938]

Not bad. But the guy is one of the worse actors i've ever seen. They could put there a mannequin or a tree and they would give us more emotions.

[@willbuck7952]

Totally Agree, dude was awful and handy to reach up into a top cabinet for bowels and pull out a big ass knife

[@Mis_wangui]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ShonPhoenix]

I was saying the same thing. His acting was killing me.

[@treybaybie1526]

😭

[@shinjuku96jackson4]

Exactly

[@smudgesaysno524]

Why is he so calm ? I'd be screaming my arse off. 😂

[@JC-uj3zj]

Creepy and scary. Thank yoU!

[@karenhekla2302]

I think the boy was just a little bit too calm over that a killer was chasing him otherwise great work!!

[@timothyveres4713]

I was thinking the same thing. when the guy in the backyard hit the window I woulda jumped outta my skin. not to mention the creepy shit in the basement.

[@marufloreza]

Karen Singing channel

[@karenhekla2302]

maria eugenia florez ardlila ?

[@rosariomartinez887]

Karen Singing channel ht y

[@md.monzurahmedquaderikhosr7620]

facebook.com/groups/1669787983275386/

[@garyhernandez5861]

Love these short films better than the dam movies wish they were a little longer

[@monicalunn]

Just enough creepy factor, and a great twist at the end. Very very well done!

[@ancientbloodlineoflight]

It was pretty good, the basement scene gave me chills

[@dillonalvarez2971]

Great film. One thing I would like to say though Is that he lacked any kind of emotion throughout the film

[@Abdu7b]

Yeah if that was me I would have been screaming so loud

[@GenericoHomeSecurity]

i think he is kristen stewards brother

[@phantom_angel]

dillon alvarez I agree

[@sentogetawaysmj8049]

dillon alvarez true dat

[@jfour2zero]

riley the ginger78 who’s Kristen Stewards?

[@bigwizzle45]

Max was the calmest person I've ever seen in a horror movie.

[@danielvahnke3369]

Adderall, dude.

[@andysixxstalkerangeloftrag5833]

10:46 Ghost, demon, human, big tall muscular man, beautiful girl with precious eyes _OR_ child.... **You smash **_my_** phone, I smash your fckin windpipe.**

[@kansasescalante5231]

Hello

[@bluerainwalker5463]

The boy was deadpan. No emotion his lack of any expression of emotion ruined it. I lost interest and the storyline. Didn't need the other killers, The little clown boy was great at being creepy

[@noshenanigans8981]

the pumpkin got alot bigger when the arm came out

[@aus_liam444]

I hope the writer/director reads this. It's strange that I'm finding this short film 8 years later but it was an interesting & worthwhile little find. While I'm still confused about the plot, something about this film spoke to me on a personal level. I can tell that the director themselves probably has an immense longing for their childhood & an especially strong nostalgia for Halloween which comes through in the film, and I personally really identify with that. Something about Max riding his bike home presumably from the video rental store with a bag full of horror movie DVD's to watch on Halloween night to me is the most real & authentic experience i can relate to. Like, I remember doing exactly that same thing when i was younger! The fact that Max loves Halloween & misses celebrating it the way he used to because he's entering adulthood now is something i relate to so much as i myself love Halloween and miss my pure childhood activities of going trick-or-treating as a kid, and I'm sure the director was trying to express their own deep down feelings & nostalgia for Halloween & missing being able to go trick-or-treating & stuff as well, and i feel the director wanted to express those feelings and make a film about it, which i find suprisingly relatable & oddly touching. In fact I thought the film sort of had a "Donnie Darko" inspired formula to it, whether that was intentional or not. Look, is the film rough around the edges? Yes. Is Max's acting bad at times? Yes. Is the editing & sound bad? Yes But you were still somehow able to capture my attention from the opening scene of the film and tell a story that while not completely clear, still resonated with me and prompted me enough to write this comment for you. So I'm glad you made it, fellow director. ❤️ :)

[@NoCoArts]

Thank you so much my friend. ❤️

[@aus_liam444]

@@NoCoArts of course man! Credit where credit's due.. even if it's overdue. I assume you must've been quite young when you made this, so seriously kudos to you for making this with what you had at the time and giving it your all! I know your endeavours may have changed over the years but I just want you to know that I believe you've got so much creative potential inside and I hope & pray that you'll find a way to make another film again one day, whether it's a short film or feature film, because trust me when I say.. the world needs to see your vision again dude. I'll say it if nobody else will... You've got that magic inside to be a film director.

[@destinyann4617]

That guy had no emition through out the whole movie. He wasnt scared at all. I would be really scared.

[@EmileeBaroner]

Alright movie. Female voice on phone definitely best actor. 7/10

[@risingstormtarot]

I LOVE HALLOWEEN 🎃

[@neon4072]

The same way I would react to a near-death experience I'm not afraid of anything so I will fight back with no scared emotions whatsoever

[@heatherkane218]

Really good!! I was a little bit confused on the plot, but it was still good!!!

[@MrAlphamale00]

great short film! honestly had me tripping for a bit. loved it.

[@iloveart-sharpie-4432]

'And everything will be ok,' Actually, there was a mask staring at him through the little gap in the left door wiTH NONE OF DEM EYEBALLS DAT EVERYONE HAS

[@TheNightHeCameHome]

Yep saw it too Creepy good 😱

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

It seems that many of you think that guy too calm.He his persuaded of a game,and have an open mind.stoicism saves his life.Yes,very good movie!

[@jaredhimes1022]

YOU A G MY MAN

[@memories2dreams822]

I would have paid to see the movie version of this. It was really scary :O Great job on acting, story and filming :D

[@anthonypratt6787]

That was a great film really scary scenes and a great ending

[@bengarvey841]

Spooky

[@limsd7691]

Its different. Spooky! Good job!

[@chrisderek22]

At 5:26, I gasped then started laughing because he popped up out of nowhere lol

[@adamtahadi6638]

slm

[@charliebird5299]

Nice one, more please!☺😊Been a horror fan decades now. Glad to see the genre continue into a new generation. 😈😈😈😈 Thanks for sharing! 💋💋💋💋

[@othmantayach9449]

that was intense and horrifying

[@StreetSoldier88]

Dude looks like he's doing his taxes.

[@TylerK1ng4u]

Psssh, if I saw that eyeball in a pumpkin myself, then a hand, then I heard those footsteps creaking upstairs, then a child laughing....I would have ran like a bitch outside and sat out there.

[@zachschott7062]

+TYCRAFT Sat??? Nigga I would be gone lmao

[@TylerK1ng4u]

Sit* is what I meant to say.

[@zachschott7062]

I mean I wouldn't just sit there i'd be gone lol

[@zachschott7062]

Thats what I mean't lol

[@moonlightglow4447]

+TYCRAFT you spelled it right the first time lol

[@duongtran9655]

Really good short scary ghost story ! I really enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the great one for Halloween 🎃 👻🤙!

[@BOKC_Samoan]

*This was amazing. This film scared me*

[@tylerleavitt5758]

this is dope

[@NoCoArts]

+Tyler Leavitt thanks man haha

[@CNTFILMSSTUDIO]

This is awesome! Very creepy and original!

[@dzyanist]

WOWWW...!!!! 😈

[@terijomooney7544]

Great job. I do have to say, why are the people in horror movies made to be stupid? They didn't do this back in the 70s/80s. I sometimes quit watching because I can't stand how stupid the people are.

[@bobbierogers3738]

Awesome

[@lucia9186]

Simply awesome, scary and amazing. Congrats.

[@MaryGIrlMoody]

This was freaking awesome! The ending was well written, and the movie scared the crap out of me.

[@snowmantv9328]

i just watched the horror movie IT. This film was scarier by far. Good Job

[@orsolyaritter7292]

This guy must have his nerves made of iron. It was funny how calm he remained. Walking down to the cellar as if he only wanted to fetch a bottle of wine. Anyway I Loved it.

[@deborah1533]

I don't usually review these, but this one I had too... Although it was obviously low budget it was really well done. Very natural dialogue and believable story (for a horror) I really liked it!

[@Tor128]

I like this one.. no screaming,falling,snot,crying, no "please,please,my god my god,or somebody help me" screams.. dude is wtf im dreaming ,right??

[@emmanuelray6196]

great job... I enjoyed the film.... you can really accomplish some good things.

[@videomega396]

Gotta show emotions when things are happening especially the parts where you're supposed to be afraid. But if was good and I watched from start to finish

[@dawnfrye4343]

So good, I was on edge the whole time.

[@Pengu1nGam3r]

love it :)

[@SamK0715]

Did anyone else notice that even after he paused the tv the reflection in the window kept playing at 5:53?

[@jeannewestmoreland8049]

Good job..I enjoyed this film....keep up the good work

[@loricerecedes727]

"Great story'! "Great film! Well thought out and good acting, but the guy having more emotion would have made it more intense for the mysterious parts. The ending was great bc I loved feeling sad for the guy, so I hope you'll make more films I'll be looking out , so best of luck. Thank You !! 💀🕷💀

[@novemberbrown4504]

He wasn't even scared 😂😆

[@kathleenriley1311]

13:01 spookeyyyyyy!!!

[@wetpaintpictures9905]

Great job guys just subbed keep it up.

[@arundhakal969]

nice one but he doesn't look scared at all.. what worth making a horror movie? if the Key person doesn't look scared then how can we be scared...?????

[@makeupenthusiast7328]

Gosh I’m tired! I’m at work looking at this.. I’m a security officer and it gets boring so need something to make the time go by faster. 😂

[@holyknight70]

Wait... if this was happening all in his mind... then how the hell did the girl over the phone hear breathing?

[@mansionsa]

Creepy trick or treater, killers in the basement, big Jason-esque dude, haunted pumpkins, this story had a lot going on. It looked like it was recorded with a cell phone and the dude showed zero emotion.

[@theresesmilingmoon9186]

THAT WAS GREAT!

[@MegaPoxie]

This is one of those films where you need a neutral thumb!

[@l0vingmaikel]

Very well done 💜

[@piperlilians4867]

#1 little kids and clowns are the ideal scariest things ever in horror movies or short film. #2 Don't go in super dark rooms in these kind of situations. #3 when there r people like this near u....

[@raymondnoya5653]

Awesome !

[@trinity6950]

After reading many positive reviews I think I'll like this ⭐️

[@spencerchase421]

Great effects at 5:54 the refection still plays while the video on the tv is paused all the small shit that comes out of no where in the back round was a good idea to add

[@ScaryTaleshorrorradio]

excellent!!!!

[@davidallan9427]

I wish I was that emotionless. I'd be one hell of a poker player.

[@warmonger8799]

AWESOME

[@mistrjt9213]

I moved faster looking for my keys than he does being chased by a killer.

[@edwardlancaster3659]

these mini horrors are great scary and creepy great stuff👍💀

[@StrikeFreerunningFilms]

Awesome job!

[@acspirit6842]

Good film. Thanks.

[@GarrettWiseman]

A few editing issues. The actor needed to be more scared. But who knows about what conditions you had to film this under. If people were home or what not. Better then anything I ever done. Had to say never saw that ending coming and one of the best ideas for a scary movie ending. Mad props to everyone who made this.!!!!!

[@NoCoArts]

thanks man ( :

[@GarrettWiseman]

Connor Kwilos btw, did you edit in the movie on the TV? Because when you paused it,the reflection of the movie is playing on window but the TV was paused. Even if you didn't mean to. It was kinda a cool effect. :)

[@NoCoArts]

Garrett Wiseman the movie on the TV was really on the TV but I edited the pause artificially to make it easier

[@zaaraveer]

Great Execution & Background Score. U will get success my friend.

[@mariajulien-harris146]

Pretty good Halloween is always a good scare.

[@poltergeist909]

Wow ... Nice job !;)

[@johnmumma752]

At 12:13 to 12:20 the pumpkin changed size

[@kennynvake4hve584]

Watch the different size pumpkin on the table when the hand comes out of it than the pumpkin before it

[@CNTFILMSSTUDIO]

Definitely subscribed!

[@susanlocklear1264]

Need to come watch the movies with you hell you got enough for me

[@memories2dreams822]

Great job on movie. It was pretty scary.

[@max-jayderomero7743]

very good

[@imalexisimabeginner2502]

I was watching this it felt like I had 100 lb on my chest and I never have problems with breathing what just happened

[@dayngerkat6760]

Ok so my take on this is his mom and brother are dead and they play pranks on him every Halloween. He's been thru it so many times it doesn't scare him.

[@mostafah.6160]

Incredible acting! seriously?!

[@chriswolfe761]

Seriously, when will horror film people learn to close their curtains at night?

[@Maddi1224]

Anybody got any suggestions for some GOOD short horror's? Can't seem to find alot of good ones.

[@NoCoArts]

I'll have some ready for you .... soon

[@Maddi1224]

@@NoCoArts awesome!!! Thanks

[@Maddi1224]

@@NoCoArtsi wasnt meaning that this wasnt good I was just saying its hard to find good ones anymore! But def...keep em coming! Love falling asleep to these things!

[@DeltaMike66]

IT Would be a good idea : The Boy did say "Who is that in the Window" and if he steps out and looks he sees himselfes ? . .. this is not new but...i will watch all on a big Screen again.

[@penni6432]

I don't understand the ending with the picture!

[@erikmikle2569]

12:19 Somebody is standing there on the right

[@joans6047]

good catch, dude!

[@directional5168]

Who's watching this at 4 in the morning ?

[@JacktheFireEater]

im watching it at 2:30 in the morning. close enough, right?

[@LpsRse]

Directional 5 i

[@kingofmetal1961]

Actually, it is 6:09 am.

[@karajames67]

don't matter what time it is you must be on holiday if your up at that time

[@luciagabrielachangbenites7357]

hasta las huevas!!!

[@jorgealmaraz1373]

whats the opening track called by Blacksona

[@Witchofthewoods.]

Talk about terrifying! This is one of the best short horror films and I've seen hundreds. I loved it...great job! Keep making creepy film's

[@kansasescalante5231]

Awesome video

[@tomleadbitter7165]

They couldn't have chosen a less expressive actor.