Buzz
Once more, we’ve combed the internet to uncover short film treasures that debuted at film festivals and exclusive screenings, only to fade into obscurity. Our selection is diverse, offering something for everyone, with genres like drama, crime, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and action all represented.
10. The Ventriloquist – Kevin Spacey
The Ventriloquist emerged as the winning screenplay in Trigger Street Productions’ 2012 Jameson First Shot short film competition. Founded by Kevin Spacey, Trigger Street Productions is known for films like Captain Phillips and The Social Network, and its mission is to discover gifted writers and directors. Each year, the company selects scripts from student and graduate filmmakers across various countries, traditionally the United States, Russia, and South Africa, though recent years have seen entries from additional nations.
The Ventriloquist was initially penned by Benjamin Leavitt, a New York University graduate. After his script was chosen, Leavitt had the privilege of directing the short film, with Spacey taking the lead role. The story revolves around Spacey’s character, who struggles to communicate without relying on a ventriloquist dummy that grows increasingly domineering. While the film teeters on the edge of horror, it ultimately delivers a heartwarming narrative, with Spacey’s performance elevating an otherwise peculiar concept. The ending is sure to leave you smiling.
If you’re eager to submit your script and potentially have it produced by Kevin Spacey’s production company, you can enter the competition here.
9. Ambition – Aidan Gillen & Aisling Franciosi
The sci-fi short Ambition was released ahead of last year’s triumphant Rosetta Stone mission—in case you missed it, humanity successfully landed a small probe on a faraway comet. Funded by the European Space Agency, the film highlights how such missions pave the way for grander, more daring space explorations. As the ESA puts it, their goal is to transform “science fiction into science fact.”
Ambition stars Aiden Gillen (known for his role as Littlefinger in Game of Thrones) and Aisling Franciosi (The Fall) as a mentor and student in a distant future, reflecting on humanity’s progress since the 2014 mission. The film is visually stunning, rivaling Interstellar in its special effects. Fans of Game of Thrones and Littlefinger’s iconic speeches will particularly enjoy this piece.
8. Mission Zero – Uma Thurman
This short film was created as a commercial for Pirelli tires, but it’s far from ordinary. Mission Zero features Uma Thurman in a role that echoes her iconic performance as The Bride in Kill Bill. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, known for films like Point Break, Near Dark, The Hurt Locker, and Zero Dark Thirty, the film showcases her versatility as a director, capable of crafting both thought-provoking narratives and high-octane action-packed stories.
Mission Zero leans heavily toward the Point Break side of the spectrum. If that’s not your style, feel free to move on to the next film. But if you’re a fan of adrenaline-fueled action like Point Break, you’re in for a treat.
7. Happy Clapper – Joe Dempsey
Happy Clapper is a short film by emerging director Tom Marshall, who was just 24 when he helmed this project. Before this, he worked on a shoestring budget, creating his debut short film for only £80 ($121), which later gained TV recognition.
Happy Clapper stars Joe Dempsey, whom fans may know as Gendry from Game of Thrones or Chris from the 2007 season of Skins. This film allows him to showcase his talent as Marshy, a lonely, small-time criminal stuck in a dilapidated caravan guarding his brother’s drug stash. When a born-again Christian arrives, the story takes an unexpected and quirky turn.
If you enjoy raw, unfiltered British cinema reminiscent of Danny Boyle or Shane Meadows, there’s a strong likelihood this film will resonate with you.
6. The Continuing and Lamentable Tale of the Suicide Brothers – Keira Knightley
The Continuing and Lamentable Tale of the Suicide Brothers is a dark fantasy inspired by the Brothers Grimm, following two meticulous brothers in lederhosen who live in a small woodland cabin, adhering to a strict daily routine. Keira Knightley, almost unrecognizable, portrays their fairy godmother, overseeing their repeated attempts to end their lives. Despite their efforts, they prove hilariously inept at succeeding.
While The Continuing and Lamentable Tale of the Suicide Brothers appears to be a classic fairy tale, it’s far from child-friendly. The film blends live action, miniatures, CG animation, and traditional stop-motion to create a unique visual style. The titular brothers are played by Rupert Friend (Starred Up) and Tom Mison (Sleepy Hollow), who also penned the script, directed by Corran Brownlee and Arran Brownlee, collectively known as The Brownlee Brothers.
5. Six Shooter – Brendon Gleeson
Six Shooter is a 2005 Oscar-winning short film that follows a man on a train journey after losing his wife. He encounters a strangely endearing yet clearly disturbed young man named “The Kid,” leading to a series of chaotic and darkly humorous events.
While death is the central theme of this short, don’t let that deter you. Despite its grim undertones, Six Shooter is one of the most hilarious short films you’ll ever watch. Fans of Irish cinema will appreciate its star power, featuring Brendan Gleeson (The Guard, Calvary, In Bruges) and director Martin McDonagh (Seven Psychopaths, In Bruges). McDonagh, originally a playwright, showcases his talent for sharp, natural, and witty dialogue, rivaling even Tarantino’s best.
This film is definitely not safe for work, packed with explicit language, explosive scenes involving cows, and graphic violence.
4. Black Mamba – Kobe Bryant, Danny Trejo, Bruce Willis & Kanye West
Black Mamba is a wild blend of Space Jam and Machete Kills, but even more over-the-top. This basketball grindhouse film features Danny Trejo, Bruce Willis, Kanye West, and Kobe Bryant as the titular Black Mamba. Even if basketball isn’t your thing, fans of Robert Rodriguez’s style will find plenty to enjoy.
At its core, Black Mamba serves as an extended advertisement for Kobe Bryant’s Nike products, specifically the Nike Zoom Kobe VI. However, it’s also Rodriguez’s homage to the iconic Spike Lee/Michael Jordan shorts from the ’90s. Given the legacy of those shorts, Rodriguez faced a challenge with Black Mamba, but he delivers a film that fans of Machete, Once Upon a Time In Mexico, and Sin City will thoroughly enjoy.
3. Dust – Alan Rickman & Jodie Whittaker
Dust was born from a crowdfunding initiative by Ben Ockrent and Jake Russell, who wrote and directed the project. The short film gained recognition and was showcased at numerous film festivals.
Alan Rickman (Harry Potter, Die Hard) delivers a chilling performance as a villain in Dust, arguably one of his most unsettling roles. He portrays a silent, trench coat-clad stranger who stalks a mother, played by Jodie Whittaker (Attack The Block), and her daughter. The film masterfully uses its soundtrack and minimal dialogue to build tension, culminating in a powerful climax. We won’t spoil the plot, but it’s a gripping seven minutes you won’t regret watching.
2. Aspirational – Kirsten Dunst
Aspirational is the briefest entry on this list, clocking in at just 2:37. Yet, it effectively delivers its powerful message in that short span.
Kirsten Dunst stars as herself in this short film, which critiques the alienation caused by social media and selfie culture. Aspirational evokes a sense of discomfort, making viewers reflect on the superficiality of modern interactions. Dunst’s portrayal of her frustration with shallow teens who see her as nothing more than a photo op feels painfully authentic. By the end, you’re left feeling as unsettled and exploited as Dunst appears.
Aspirational was born from a collaboration between director Matthew Frost and Kirsten Dunst for VS magazine, following Dunst’s admission that she admired Frost’s previous work.
1. Silent City – Cillian Murphy
Set in a dystopian future, Silent City depicts a war-torn urban landscape where a group of soldiers struggles to survive amidst sniper fire, hidden traps, and relentless enemy patrols.
The Silent City demands to be expanded into a full-length feature. The film draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including Enemy at the Gates, Starship Troopers, Full Metal Jacket, and Screamers, among others. It also stars Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins, 28 Days Later), adding depth to its compelling narrative.
If you’re skeptical about Silent City being as impressive as we claim, consider this: its director, Ruairi Robinson, later created another remarkable sci-fi short, Blinky. Robinson was even slated to helm a live-action adaptation of Akira before the project was shelved. Watch Silent City and envision the brilliance Robinson could have brought to Akira with a substantial budget.
