I just finished watching A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal and I have one thought, “You are a liar!” Steven Everson told me this was an indie film, and there’s no way that could be true… Right? It contains no errors as far as I could tell and was really superb in all fields. Ok, maybe A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal is an indie film, but its had a lot more love and detail put into it that makes it a step above a lot of other indie films. This short film is apparently being adapted into a feature-length film and I cannot wait, as long as the same team is brought back as crew again.
A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal follows an enchanted book that it seems everyone wants. It contains the souls of the Fairy Queen, Forest King, and a nasty goblin – all bound inside the book by Shakespeare himself. After all, in England during the 1590s, there was only one God. Eventually, the book ends up in the hands of some western mercenaries who eventually open the book and release the spirits within. How will things end up for our western friends and how will it affect the future?
This film is written and directed by Joshua A. Siegel. It is edited by Mike Wilhelm; production design by Ipek Kemahlioglu, and digital effects by Annie Marcos and Joshua A. Siegel. This film stars Robert Donnelly, Scott Brown, Brent Boyd, Joe Calavita, Kate Forsythe Corey, Steven L. Everson, and Dedeker Winston.
I think the combination of genres – western and horror/scifi – is very unique and weird, but interesting none the less. This is probably the first time I have seen this combination and actually liked it. The small western gunmen vs pagan warrior chapter of the film is also really cool. Again, something you don’t see every day. The film shows the book in three separate lives – its creation, the early 1900s, and briefly in the present day. This sets up the backdrop perfectly for the upcoming feature-length film, which will have an appearance by Deneen Melody.
As far as A Midsummer Nightmare – The Betrayal goes as a production, well I’ve already said it’s near perfect. The audio levels are perfect throughout the whole film, although some background tracks are a little cheesy. The lighting is perfect as well. Even at night the lighting shows an expert demonstration from Vitalie Ungureanu. The acting is professional and seasoned, especially for an indie film. The CGI added for the supernatural parts were impressive and reminded me of the effects you would have seen on “Charmed.” The script was…eh, it had some parts that were a little iffy, but a really solid effort none the less.
All in all, this is a great short film. Unique plot. Great acting, great effects. Perfect audio and visually. If the feature-length adaption is half as good as this short, we will be in for a treat. Great job to everyone involved!
