Naima Chebahi’s The Other Me delivers a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience, blending psychological tension with classic horror elements. This short indie film effectively captivates its audience with a unique premise and solid performances by its two lead actors, Ludovic Salvador and Alicia Henry.
The acting is undoubtedly a highlight. Salvador and Henry excel in portraying a married couple thrown into an unsettling and surreal situation. Their nuanced performances bring a layer of believability to an otherwise highly unrealistic scenario, which is no small feat in a short film format.
The inciting incident is perfectly timed, drawing viewers into the story almost immediately. When Dany answers a phone call claiming to be from his wife Marie, who insists that the woman in their house isn’t her, the tension ramps up quickly. The dialogue is chilling, particularly Marie’s warning: “You’re in real danger.” Dany’s growing doubt, paired with his quiet response, “No one,” when asked by the woman in the house who’s on the phone, is a pivotal moment that effectively heightens the suspense.
As the story progresses, Dany’s shift in belief—accepting that his real wife is the one on the phone—pushes the narrative into darker territory. The climax, where he follows the woman on the phone’s instructions to kill the “monster” in the house, is both shocking and tragic. The silence after he says, “That’s it. I killed the monster,” followed by the call being disconnected, leaves the audience with a lingering sense of dread and ambiguity.
While the cinematography could be stronger, it’s important to acknowledge the constraints of an indie, low-budget production. Despite these limitations, The Other Me manages to create an effective atmosphere of unease through its storytelling, performances, and sound design. The technical imperfections are outweighed by the film’s ability to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
In summary, The Other Me is a good, thrilling short indie horror that showcases Naima Chebahi’s potential as a filmmaker. With its compelling performances and intriguing concept, it’s a film worth watching, and I look forward to seeing more of Chebahi’s work in the future.
Naïma Chebahi is a french scriptwriter, director and producer. She wrote directed and produced many shorts films and music video which won several awards. As now she was selected in more than 100 international festivals and won more than 60 awards. In general she's attracted to some dark and deep universe. She tries to take the next step now: write and raise money for her first feature film.
In January 2025, The Other Me has been selected by Festigious Film Festival.
コメント