Short Horror Film Review: BEYOND THE MOONLIGHT
Enter the intense, demanding world of professional ballet with the raw, untamed lore of lycanthropy. Beyond the Moonlight will take you by surprise, but not only because of its supernatural themes.
There is curiosity instilled into the plot, and the execution is almost tentative. But the end result is a daring, yet entertaining short film.
The film opens in a deserted dance studio, immediately establishing a moody, almost isolated atmosphere with its flickering lights. We meet the central dancer as she prepares for a grueling rehearsal, shortly before her instructor and sister arrive.
The dynamic between the two is central to the narrative. The instructor relentlessly pushes the dancer past her physical limits, a struggle the film's summary describes as "brutal."
The story hits its narrative turning point when the dancer, weakened by a recurring backache, finally collapses. The instructor's cold dismissal, that the dancer "doesn't have it in her”, serves as the emotional catalyst for the inevitable.
In the film’s final minutes, the supernatural element is revealed in full. The transformation sequence successfully moves the narrative from a drama of physical endurance to one of primal acceptance.
The instructor joins her, also revealing her werewolf form, confirming that the struggle was a strange, aggressive initiation rather than simple cruelty.
The final shot features the two sisters, now unified in their monstrous forms, looking directly into the camera and at you, the viewer. Are you going to be their next victim?
Beyond the Moonlight manages to deliver a complete story and establish a solid thematic core, the idea of unlocking hidden strength through immense pressure.
It’s about realizing your gift and honing it through rigorous practice that can push one to the brink.
At its core, Beyond the Moonlight is determined to be much more than a werewolf story. It shows that persistence can offer desirable results, even if those results may risk the safety of innocents.
The ending may be a little too abrupt, and leaves potential for a sequel. What happens now that the sisters have been transformed and accepted their gift?
Will they prey upon innocents or hope to recruit more into their pack?
Written and directed by Natalie Rodriguez, the movie stars Alexandra Almendarez and Bella Jaime.
Scare Scale: 3.5/5
Follow Beyond the Moonlight Instagram page (beyondmoonlightfilm)
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