Write Size Horror: Starburst and The Unexplainable

 

Welcome back to the second installment of my review series on Bite Size Horror short films. You’re in for a real treat, as Fox and Mars candy brands have teamed up to create these spooky themed short films. If you didn’t get a chance to read the first installment in this series, you can check out “Skittles on Floor 9.5” by clicking here.

The second short film I’m reviewing is The Replacement, directed by Christopher Leone. Each short film is presented by a different Mars candy brand. The Replacement, presented by Starburst, is the story of a young boy who meets his masked doppelgänger; if that’s not scary enough, the masked doppelgänger then tries to replace him. Watch The Replacement for yourself here — but click at your own risk!

The Replacement, just as Floor 9.5, was effective in its fear appeal. I felt it was more creepy rather than outright scary. It had more of an open ending than the last short film, which I liked because it allows the viewer to finish the story on their own. This short film felt like it could be an episode of Black Mirror. 

Because of the short film’s cinematography, it doesn’t feel like watching an advertisement for Starburst. The ominous, suspenseful music in the background was a nice touch that elevated the creepiness of this short film. I also really liked the jumpscare that happened when the boy was looking through the binoculars and the masked doppelgänger popped up. Even though I had a feeling it was coming, it still got me.

Just like in Floor 9.5, there was no direct reference made to the Starburst candy other than saying “Starburst presents…” at the beginning and then showing the Mars’ candy logos at the very end. This is, again, why I refer to it as a short film because only referring to the product at the beginning and end isn’t enough to keep the brand in the audience’s mind.

Overall, The Replacement was very well made; if a sequel short-film were to be released, I would definitely be interested in watching. 

Beware of the next installment of Write Size Horror: “The Long Road to M&M’s” coming soon to a blog post near you.

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Demi Apostolakos