Everyone has heard of the Black Eyed Kids urban legend. Or, well, most people have heard the legend. For those who are unaware, the legend says that one night you may be approached by children who either ask to seek shelter in your house or ask for a car ride home. Should you make eye contact with them, you’ll immediately notice their eyes, even the sclera, are pitch black and will fill you with a sense of dread unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Needless to say, you need to get out of there… fast! Despite the urban legend being so popular, few film-makers have tackled the subject so I was thrilled when a new short film titled Don’t Let Them In came across my desk. I got a chance to watch it in full and here are my thoughts.
Don’t Let Them In is written and directed by David Lawrence. Cast members include Hoyt Richards (American High School, Showgirls 2), Julia Parker (Alien Armageddon, Flight 93) and Elizabeth Sandy (“Neighbors,” “The Young and the Restless”) with Kamrbi Pellerin, Abbie Georganna, Layne Singer, Deane Sullivan and Henry Fleishman taking on the role of the Black Eyed Kids. Don’t Let Them In follows an author, Dan (Hoyt Richards), who is struggling to gain inspiration and faith in the new book he’s trying to pen. His wife isn’t thrilled that his progresses is stalling, his publisher is tired of waiting and the new book is much more disturbing than his usual material. Unfortunately for them, a knock at the front door will forever change their lives and Dan will get more inspiration than he’d ever imagined in his darkest nightmares.
David Lawrence is a new-comer to the world of film, having only written, produced and directed four shorts in the last three years. Don’t Let Them In is my first introduction to his work and I have to say… I was completely blown away and give him a warm welcome to the world of horror, too. What I like the most about him is that he has the style and technique to make an independent production look like something straight out of Hollywood. Basically, he gives the indie scene a little extra credibility, especially after crafting this title with cinematographer Chad Peter. There’s a difference between an aspiring film-maker and someone who has the incredible talent to go far and David is definitely in the latter category. Well done, sir!
Despite being fully aware of the urban legend and knowing that I’m just watching a movie, I sat through my viewing with very real goosebumps. It’s hard to explain… but, I felt like the mood was so palpable, the story so rich that The Black Eyed Kids in the movie were attacking me, too! Again, expert film-making here because it was one of the most genuine, emotionally rich viewings I’ve had in months. From the opening scene, to the knock at the door and cat & mouse games, to the disembodied voices… David Lawrence knows how to scare you, he knows what fear looks like! If I had to best describe Don’t Let Them In using other movies, I’d say it’s a mix of The Strangers and The Village of the Damned. Absolutely crazy! There was even one good jump scare that got me!
My only problem with this short is that Mr. Lawrence took a few creative liberties in fleshing out The Black Eyed Kids and their story. I agreed with some, disagreed with others. Sometimes leaving more to the imagination is scarier than an explanation.
It’s no surprise to me that Don’t Let Them In was screened all over the world and picked up a handful of awards along the way. It is hands down my favorite movie of 2016 so far. A must see for sure. Final Score: 10 out of 10!!!
