They
are like the characters from Sex and the
City, but with a slightly deeper craving for supernatural power. This
satanic cult of women is determined to enter into a Faustian bargain with their
favorite demon, but they still have relationship issues in David Mikalson’s short
film Stay (trailer here), which screens
during this year’s Dances With Films, in Hollywood, USA.
They
are an evil sisterhood, determined to achieve power through infernal means. One
of the order will even willingly offer herself up as a sacrifice to seal the
deal. Unfortunately, Carol does not keep her eyes on the prize. In fact, she
even makes eye-contact with the unholy entity. That means they will have to repeat
the whole damned (literally) ceremony. Yet, there might be a mutual thing going
on between it and Carol. Then things get dark—really, really dark.
Wow,
it is impressive just morbid Mikalson is willing to get. This is guaranteed to
be a divisive film, but real horror fans will find it funny as you-know-where. Anna
Seregina is perfectly deadpan as Carol, while Davey Johnson goes the full Doug
Jones as the demon and also gets to deliver the nonchalant punchline as a surprise
third act character.
Stay really is rather disturbing,
precisely because it is so savagely amusing. Yet, it has more genuine closure
than most satanic panic horror movies. In fact, that note of finality is
precisely why it works so well. Conclusive endings—more filmmakers ought to try
them. Recommended for viewers who like their comedy on the wicked side, Stay screens tonight, as part of
Midnight Shorts 1, at the 21st Dances With Films.
