Woodyanders
The set-up for this short is supremely simple, yet gripping and effective: A troubled young woman gets hold hostage by her own tormented mind with the vicious Jean (a strong and riveting performance by the striking Niki Rubin) unmercifully taunting and terrorizing her counterpoint Amy (a fine and credible portrayal by Natalie LaSpina) at gunpoint. This short is basically a two woman show and writer/director Chris R. Notarile wisely lets his two leading ladies strut their impressive stuff for six genuinely intense and explosive minutes; both women do powerful work and keep things humming throughout. Further enhanced by restless hand-held cinematography, a shivery and pulsating score, the claustrophobic basement setting, and a potently grim ending, this white-knuckle exercise in nerve-jangling suspense packs one hell of a fierce punch.
