I don’t know whether it is a subconscious thing but I was shown this short film a few years ago from a friend I used to work with at Disney. Why it hasn’t popped immediately to my head when I began this adventure into short film is probably down to how bloody terrifying this movie is. Now, I have spoken a lot about horror movies; bloody, gory shorts that are more effective than feature length films and have lauded them as impressive nightmarish films that ghoulishly tickle the fright. Alma has been the one movie that my brain has actively pushed down and gone; “no, no, no.”
As it’s Christmas, what better way to celebrate the winter season than passing on that terror?
Blaas exquisite short film is teeming with this stunning animation. The detail on Alma, the town and the way it is crafted is takes truly terrific skill. Adding the colourful elements to the doll house to contrast the rather dull street pulls Alma and us in to this modern day horror story. It enhances the story and mysteriously fools you into thinking this is a light-hearted and merry film. Blaas proves his skill at cultivating a wonderful tale with striking computerized effects that bring depth to Alma.
The story itself is the main pull. Without dialogue, this short is enthused with a wondrous element that, when combined with the mystery and childlike naivety, is splendid. You follow Alma jovially along as she skips down and you are similarly intrigued by the doll shop. The fright comes from the mystery, as it unwinds, your realisation that this shop is not what it seems, that something darker is happening, slowly exerts this dread. It’s excellently done, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. It bustles with this moral story that will definitely keep your children up at night. (And heck, why not, adults too). Alma is a superb short film, masterfully handled in both plot and aesthetic.
However, it is going to be the first thing in your mind as dolls get passed around this Christmas. Keep the evilness at bay – buy them a bike.