Cool off this summer with a wintery tale of terror from one of my favorite film-makers, Rickey Bird Jr. A collaboration between Hectic Films and Craig Fraser Studios, Left Alone in the Snow is a 15 minute movie filmed during the height of COVID-19 with minimal cast and crew. Despite this challenge, writer/director/editor Rickey Bird Jr. pulled off an amazing, snow-covered narrative that had me hooked from the opening drone shot to the bloody conclusion. Starring Chelsea Newman, DT Carney, Bird Jr. and Michelle Dokolas, Left Alone in the Snow follows a young woman stranded in an isolated cabin at the beginning of a snowstorm. Due to previous grievances, she’s apprehensive to turn to her two neighbors for help. As the weather worsens, though, she comes to realize that her fears are truly justified. Produced by Bird Jr., Rachel Bird and Chess Maxwell, this title is currently available to purchase on Vimeo.
Well, for starters, I thought the lead actress was Anna Paquin at first and I was like, ‘yes, Rickey, get that A-list casting!’ While Chelsea Newman turned out to be a capable, local actress, I have no doubts that Rickey Bird Jr. will knab bigger names and bigger budgets as he continues in his career. Even with a minimalistic short film, and with the aid of cinematographer Brandon Rose, Left Alone in the Snow is film festival ready and a crystal clear picture that proves that indie film and its creators can make something special in the right environment and with the right cast. I loved that this was filmed in an actual storm and the isolation of the cabin had me feeling claustrophobic even without the addition of the stalkers. Mood and location are pivotal parts of production, and the behind-the-scenes crew absolutely nailed them.
That’s not to say Left Alone in the Snow is perfect, though. The audio in the house was a little echo-y due to the acoustics and the ending is rather abrupt. It also comes with a trigger warning for rape and attempted sexual assault, so be mindful of that before heading into your viewing. Still, its biggest accomplishment is appearing like an homage to some of the slow-burn horror greats like Black Christmas and When A Stranger Calls; as well as I Spit On Your Grave for the before mentioned plot-point. Without context, it could appear as an opening for either two pictures – Black Christmas and When A Stranger Calls – and nobody would know the difference if they were filmed in the same decade. It’s sense of nostalgia is off the chain and it does so flawlessly. Yes, there’s blood, but the story is rich and suspenseful without it.
Just when I thought Rickey Bird Jr. couldn’t top Machine Gun Baby, he came out with Left Alone in the Snow. Final Score: 8.5 out of 10.
Thanks, Michael for taking the time to watch our short film. Really pumped you dug it. Thanks for the kind words and the continued support of our projects. It means a lot. Much love! :)