Idling is the title of a short horror film from Hine’s Park Productions. Written and directed by Carlos J. Benitez, the story hones in on the perceived kindness of strangers. What may seem perfectly mundane can often be downright dangerous. Idling explores this proverbial fork in the road.
How’s the story?
If you’ve ever driven in a rural area at night, the lack of illumination can be daunting. Idling opens with a van speeding along a nondescript road in a wooded area in pitch darkness. The vehicle comes to an unexpected abrupt stop. We then cut to the interior of the vehicle where we see a young woman (Isadora played by Macy Oliver) and an older man (Daniel played by Vincent Daly) behind the wheel. On the surface, this pairing seems suspect. The conversation that follows between them is somewhat a game of cat and mouse. Neither one is looking to reveal their true intentions. It’s not easy to discern which person is the villain of the story. By design, the unspoken silences become intriguing. The tension builds like a coiled spring ready to release mayhem at any given moment.
The lighting of the scenes adds colorful texture and mystery to the narrative. So too the cinematography that not only keeps us close to the actors but also provides a sense of being trapped. Coupled with the isolation of being stuck in the woods, the horror aspect heightens with each passing moment. The commendable sound design punctuates the ambiance. Overall, the production team really shines.
In terms of practical effects, the use of a real phone booth adds a tangible dose of desperation. Relying on a public means of communication while immersed in an urgent crisis elevates the stakes. In essence, while seeking help, you are also leaving yourself exposed.
Final thoughts
Carlos J. Benitez directs a story that deftly balances the spoken word with the visual. The casting works exceedingly well to serve the narrative. Isadora speaks volumes with her eyes and Daniel exhibits a cagey nuance. Kudos as well to the compelling VoiceOver work by the talented Lisa Miller.
Idling will be headed to film festivals in 2026.
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