HALLOWEENTOWN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Every day this month, resident horror movie enthusiast and 828newsNOW staff reporter Pruett Norris is recommending a Halloween film for your macabre amusement.
Whether they be monster movies or fearsome family films, demonic possessions or slasher sensations, this exercise hopes to encourage spooky seasonal “scream”ings at home or in cinemas.
As the old saying goes, “trick or treat, trick or treat, give me something good to…watch.”
DAY 19: LAURA HASN’T SLEPT (2020, 11 min., directed by Parker Finn)
If you’re into prognosticating the next big thing in horror, it can be a good practice to check out award-winning short films from young directors, who often go on to great success with their feature. “Laura Hasn’t Slept” is an example of this blueprint.
The “Smile” franchise is one of the biggest horror successes of the last few years, with the first installment grossing over $200 million worldwide. However, the series didn’t come from nowhere. Writer/director Parker Finn wet his feet in its world with his 2020 short film “Laura Hasn’t Slept,” the first rendition of the demon from “Smile” and an impressive short for a first time filmmaker.
Horror franchises can be overwhelming and granular in their scope. It’s a tall order to watch every short film, spin-off, lega-sequel or reboot. However, it is nearly always rewarding to at least return to the very beginning. Pairing “Laura Hasn’t Slept” with “Smile 2,” in theaters now, would be a fascinating watch: the beginning of a director and his idea followed by the same director executing that idea on a massive scale.
Despite the scares, that evolution should put a smile on your face.
“Laura Hasn’t Slept” is available to watch on Dailymotion.
Looking for more October movie recommendations? Read the rest of the 828boosNOW archive:
DAY 1: BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
DAY 3: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS
DAY 5: SCOOBY-DOO! AND THE WITCH’S GHOST
DAY 7: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT
DAY 8: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
DAY 14: KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE