When you’ve got nothing else to do, Google “Freud + horror films.” You’ll get more than one million results with titles such as “The Historical Evolution of Fear and Scare Tactics” and “Freud, the uncanny and monsters.” These articles cover everything from the psychology of zombies to the elements that make horror films so popular. It’s nice to gain insights into the horror genre. But knowledge is no defense against chills. No matter how much you learn, when you watch Australian filmmaker Ren Thackham’s “Rearview,” you’ll probably still be scared stiff.

At the 2017 SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) “Rearview” was well-received. How well? It won awards for the Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Cinematographer.

If you don’t have time to read articles about horror films, here are some things to notice when you watch the 3 minute film for a second time. (If you have the nerve to do so.)

• This is a classic one-location film. There’s a growing interest in such contained movies. Staying in one place greatly simplifies production and allows the filmmakers to focus on shooting rather than transportation.
• The horror rests on a single plot device: what’s seen in a mirror or in a camera view—rather than what’s seen “for real.” Using that single gimmick focuses the audience’s attention.
• Music matters. While the movie maintains its visual sophistication even when viewed silently, the scary sound track amplifies the horror

“Rearview”—shot on a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge—was the director’s first mobile movie. She made it in just 48 hours having just learned about the SF3 contest, which she wanted to enter.

 

You can see more of Thackham’s work (filmed using conventional cameras) on her vimeo page  and on her website renthackham.com.au

“Rearview” was featured in MobileMovieMaking’s Mobile Movie of the Week series.