What struck me after viewing the short horror film Unlit is how much it resembled our current dysfunctional existence in the USA. The circumstances are dire and the tension is exceptionally elevated. The tight script written by Carlos J. Benitez wastes little time grabbing your attention. True to the film’s title, the absence of light sets the tone.
How’s the story?
The narrative follows a lone young female protagonist named Abeque who is traveling to the United States from Canada. We first see her awaken in a strange, dark place. It quickly becomes obvious to her that here situation is dire. In a flashback, we get some of the backstory that led to her dilemma. She ran into car trouble in Pennsylvania and met what appeared to be a good samaritan offering her ride to the nearest gas station. A lengthy dialogue ensued with the driver spewing contentious views about U.S. border issues. The conversation ended in what we assume to be an abduction. And that is where the heart of the tension-filled story truly began—alone, desperately trying to find a way out.
Through a clever use of minimal lighting as well as cinematography, Unlit draws us into the frightful sense of isolation and paranoia. Abeque interacts with other characters in her captivity but one is never absolutely certain of their personal motives. There’s a palpable sense of disorientation that further heightens the stakes. This unspooling chaos keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The cast of Unlit understood the assignment. The movie’s power hinges on asking what is the human condition when placed in a dangerous situation. The performances of the actors gave nuance to the complexity of answering said question.
Practical effects are used efficiently throughout the movie. Much like Jaws, the concept of “less is more” works swimmingly.
Final Thoughts
Director and writer Carlos J. Benitez set out to tell a tale that reflects the nature of humanity in a polarized world. Throughout history, human beings have been capable of unspeakable monstrosities. Unlit dares you to take an uncomfortable moment and not cast your gaze aside.
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