Sockmonster is a short film I watched while saying, “Please let this be what it sounds like. Please let this be what it sounds like.” And, thankfully, this new piece from Three Tales Productions and director Wesley Alley completely lived up to my expectations. Sockmonster is incredibly simple yet astonishingly effective and successful. Written by Mr. Alley, this title follows a young mother, Anne (Briana Evigan), as she waits near the technologically damned laundry machine that stole her little girl. Revenge is a dish best served on repeat cycle, even when you’re fighting a beast from the Land of Mismatched Socks. Derek Mears (Friday the 13th, Hills Have Eyes 2) and AnaSofia Bianchi are also featured in this thrilling creature feature produced by Amanda Markowitz, Bradley Fowler, Victoria Matlock and Darren Lynn Bausman.
Usually I struggle when reviewing short films. With a running time of only 4 and a half minutes, I didn’t think I’d have a lot to say in regards to Sockmonster. Wrong! First and foremost, I have to applaud the effort that was put into making this a quality short film. Wesley Alley has a sharp brain that can develop an alluring story, a third eye for capturing the right mood, and the talent behind-the-scenes to bring everything together in a cohesive and frightful way. I’d also like to shout out the cinematographer, Austin Schmidt, and the editor, Curtis Schultz, for their part in making Sockmonster flawless. As I mentioned above, Sockmonster is simple – a woman, a room, a laundry machine – and yet it’s one of the most invigorating short films that I’ve seen in 2018 so far. The emotional punch from Briana Evigan (S. Darko, Sorority Row) mourning her daughter only added to the reaction that this title drew from me.
And so did the unexpected progression and twists. As silly and unique as Sockmonster is, it’s well thought out and will keep the viewer on their toes; expertly navigating away from traditional horror pitfalls. Anne is unhinged, the monster is swirling with blood-lust, and it culminates in a suspenseful showdown that you won’t expect from a movie with this title. Sockmonster is sentimental, startling, spooky and a big load of fun. Rumor has it that Wesley Alley is working diligently on getting it out to the public, and you can look for it at a film festival near you very soon. I came for the name, stayed for the crazed performance from Briana Evigan and the promise of a villain from our childhood past, and I’m walking away with nothing but praise for this short film. HorrorSociety approved. Final Score: 8.5 out of 10.
