Wither

Wither
Starring Lamissah La-Shontae, Philippa Howard, Anthony Niescior
Directed by Ethan Evans

Folk horror is a subgenre of horror that predominately originates in Britain, a subgenre that focuses on horrors that arise from the very location that the film is set in, as opposed to an outside force like a serial killer, ghost, or alien.  It's often very ritualistic, showcasing religious imagery and focusing on sacrifice, nature, and the consequences of not following through with traditions.  Modern films like "Midsommar," "Black Death," and especially "Kill List" all focus on this type of horror, that also incorporates religious devotion and cult-like behaviors that have often existed in the land for centuries.  This subgenre was given birth by three influential films - "Witchfinder General," "The Blood on Satan's Claw," and most notably "The Wicker Man" (not that Nicolas Cage remake abomination, but the Christopher deLEEicious 1973 original).  It's this genre that Ethan Evans' short film "Wither" finds itself a member among, and although it's four minutes in length, the chills it delivers will last far longer.

The film takes place in a small British town where children offer berries from a farmer's garden.  Young Willow (Lamissah La-Shonate) finds herself in danger after her offering is literally squashed accidentally by another student, and fears for her life as she wanders among the garden. 

La-Shonate has an angelic appearance and even though she doesn't say a word, you feel her emotions, fears, and worries through her expressions, which are incredibly pronounced and gives you the same sense of foreboding dread that she feels.  You sense that there's a deep lore to this seemingly innocuous, simple sacrifice, and feel utterly hopeless when that sacrifice is tainted or destroyed. 

What makes this short film work so well is how it utilizes the innocence of youth set against the seemingly impossibility of evil that exists in the world, and how this evil threatens to destroy even the most innocent.  Ethan Evans uses every weapon in his arsenal to give you the shivers, from the story itself (that Evans co-wrote with Jess Bartlett), to the tremendous performances (most notably LaShontae), the sound design, especially from the crushed berries that are synonymous with crushed hopes and dreams (also done by Evans), and Kate Goulding's prodigious makeup designs. 

While they say great things come in small packages, "Wither" proves that point by delivering a thoughtful, terrifying film in four minutes that'll reverberate for hours afterward.

The Score: A+

You can watch this film by visiting:

http://www.vimeo.com/468239212