Today a collection of short films were screened at the 16th annual Screamfest in Hollywood California. Among them was a standout high school horror film titled Pigskin. Yes, horror and high school are synonymous for many reasons. Creative duo Jake Hammond (Director/Co-Writer) and Nicola Newton (Cinematographer/Co-Writer) deliver a sleek throwback to 80’s horror with a far more introspectively driven monster. This results in a fresh mix of psychologically driven drama mixed with conventional splatter gore.

The story follows as Laurie (Isadora Leiva) an average teenager at what could be any high school in America, during a cheer practice and photo session.  The typical trappings are here but not in the ways you would anticipate. Yes Laurie has friends in Trish (Issabella Groff) and the other girls. She even has a young football player, Glenn (Pablo Gonzalez) totally interested in her.  So what is the problem? It is no spoiler to divulge that Laurie has body issues. So much so that they manifest in the form of a faceless figure that haunts her peripheral vision when she least expects it. The practice goes on, the photoshoot happens, and it’s time to hit the showers. Things quiet down and that is when things get really weird. Our protagonist is left to her own thoughts and doubts that literally tear at her.

A perfectly produced mix of psychological horror and 80’s gore, Pigskin is a disturbing joy to watch. The performances are all fully honest and wholly believable. Our heroine Laurie, in particular masters the innocent, even forgettable looks and behaviors of the average self absorbed high schooler without being cliché. The direction the plot wanders consistently plays with the viewer’s expectations, always taking the high road yet still delivering. Everything from the synth-heavy score to the expert production design are all on point and a perfect slice of capable filmmaking.

Keep an eye out for Pigskin by visiting the official website here You can also visit their Facebook Page here.