Pigskin (Short, 2016)
Starring Isadora Leiva, Pablo Gonzalez, Isabella Groff
Directed by Jake Hammond
Today’s current issues with topics such as bullying and body shaming presents quite the dilemma for our populous, be it in the private or public eye, and director Jake Hammond’s 13 minute short film, titled Pigskin, puts a face to this unrelenting frame of mind, and it’s as powerful as it is frightening.
Newcomer Isadora Leiva plays a young high school cheerleader, whose body issues have led her to some very dark places – scars and mental strain are the normal for this teen, and when she has the opportunity to meet up on a date with one of her school’s star football players, it’s the chance she’s been waiting a very long time for. Her willingness to make a good impression is hindered by her psyche’s inner demons, and the evil begins to manifest itself in the form of chilling figures that follow her while she’s on her journey to complete body perfection (in her own thought processes). I’ll spare the remainder of the details here, but it’s really not a pretty sight to eyeball, and the fact that it’s a real problem in society only adds to the sadness you feel as this girl basically ruins herself for her own internal betterment.
Outside of the gloomy mood, Leiva’s performance is one to take note of – she portrays a girl who shines on the outside, yet holds a very dark secret within that is ruining not only her mind, but her body. Hammond gives this quickie an 80’s vibe with a fun soundtrack, and the looks and feels of a John Hughes high-school set, minus the comedy. This is not only a short film that falls under the horror scope, it can be used as a wake-up call to those who are stricken with the thoughts and feelings of trying to better themselves at a harmful cost – make sure to give this one a look when it comes around.
-
Film
Categorized:Reviews
