SPECIAL REPORT - Christina Critiques - GenreBlast Film Festival 2026: Part 1
- Christina Pfeiffer
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Title: THE BLACK HILLS NIGHT HIKE
Directed by: Various
Country: US Run Time: 78 minutes
Synopsis: A young woman goes on a night hike with a rag tag group of strangers, but her life will never be the same after.
Favorite line: “Do I look like aluminum foil right now?” (SNALLYGASTER)
“No, I’m afraid of bears, raccoons, and weirdos.” (SNALLYGASTER)
Thoughts: Six different scary stories for the brave at heart. While the main story (the hike) as well as a few others are worth the watch, SNALLYGASTER and UPPER MELINDA WITCH were phenomenal. The standout of the entire film was Mikael Johnson - hilarious and just cringe-inducing. Loved every second he was on the screen.
Actor to watch for: The narrator - Mikael Johnson
Title: S.O.S.
Directed by: Joseph Vivens
Country: US Run Time: 22 mins
Synopsis: Evan is dealing with the worst case of allergies ever but when a stranger insists he can help him with just a small request in return, what could possibly go wrong?
Favorite line: “Sales is 20% product, 80% seller.”
Thoughts: Clever, clever, clever! I was so invested, especially when S.O.S. Is introduced. What I loved the most was the twists and turns that were involved. I didn’t see any of it coming but when the lightbulb goes off, you will love it even more.
Actor to watch for: S.O.S. - Lorenzo Miguel
Title: STOMACH IT
Directed by: Peter Klausner
Country: US Run Time: 13 mins
Synopsis: Joel is a crime scene/trauma cleaner. There is one problem and no it’s not pesky blood stains. No, it’s much more… physical.
Favorite line: “Alka-seltzer. It’s the best.”
Thoughts: While this is body horror at its finest, Klausner gives the viewer more than they can … stomach. nudge. Seriously though, a thoughtful, in-depth look at how stains can disappear from sight, but not from mind.
Actor to watch for: Joel - John Lee Richardson
Title: MIKE SHOULD HAVE STAYED HOME TONIGHT
Directed by: Spencer Joseph
Country: US Run Time: 15 mins
Synopsis: Mike is on the hunt for companionship or a little conversation. When Ira strolls in at the perfect time, how could Mike not go home with him?
Favorite line: “I’m going to fuck you until you love me.” “Neato.”
Thoughts: Oh, the amount of bamboozling Joseph puts the viewer through. The chemistry between Mike and Ira is palpable on screen as well as … well… you’ll see. I loved watching the blossoming? Confidence rise? Of Mike, he really makes you arch that brow at the end.
Actor to watch for: Mike - Ralphie De La Cruz
Title: MASCLOOKING
Directed by: Jonathan Hammond
Country: US Run Time: 9 mins
Synopsis: Trevor is known for ghosting men he doesn’t want to converse with anymore. When he answers the wrong message, it will teach him a lesson he will never forget.
Favorite line: “Blind-shaming.” “Did you just appropriate a disability?”
Thoughts: Trevor and Donovan are perfect on screen (sharing, of course). Dating has to be hard enough without getting your hopes up and being ghosted. (I have been married for far too long to know about the dating scene). The creativity and build of suspense made the short seem longer and that’s a great thing.
Actor to watch for: Trevor - Patrick Mayuyu and Donovan - Daniel Franzese (from MEAN GIRLS)
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