short film review

 In Four Nights and a Fire, several conventions of the thriller/horror genre are used effectively. The film uses close-up shots to capture the fear in the characters’ expressions. Wide shots help set the eerie and isolated atmosphere. Low angles make the characters appear weak or vulnerable, while high angles create a sense of danger or being watched. The camera moves slowly to build suspense, but sometimes quick movements are used to startle the viewer. Tracking shots follow characters through the dark, creating a feeling of being pursued.

Sound plays a huge role in building tension. Silence is used to make the audience feel uneasy, with sudden loud noises or musical stings creating jump scares. Subtle sounds like footsteps or whispers add to the suspense. The lighting is dim, with shadows that hide parts of the scene, making everything feel uncertain. Costumes are dark and worn, suggesting something terrible has happened or will soon. The makeup shows the physical damage or trauma the characters have endured.

The setting is often isolated, leaving the characters nowhere to run from danger. Props like fire and weapons hint at the danger surrounding them. The actors show fear and confusion, making the audience feel their anxiety. Editing includes quick cuts during tense moments and slower cuts to build suspense. Flashbacks or dreams are used to reveal more about the plot. Cross-cutting between scenes helps build tension.

I like the genre’s ability to create psychological tension, slowly building fear rather than relying on gore. The atmosphere is often creepy, with sound and lighting enhancing the mood. What I don’t enjoy is the overuse of jump scares, which can feel forced. I also don’t like when films focus too much on gore, as it can distract from the psychological horror.