Sudden Reality is written and directed by Matthan Harris, who stars in the short alongside Sarah Kate Allsup who is also credited as a writer. The short follows Josh (Harris), an insecure and delusional college student (yes, this is another college movie where everyone is in their late 20s and 30s) who has been obsessed with Sandra (Allsup) since high school (a long time given Harris was born in 1986). Josh’s delusions have begun to take a turn down a dark path, as his vengeful delusions start to overcome his reality, as even the object of his obsession begins to grow twisted and evil in his eyes.

This was a pretty intense ride, making full use of its 17 minutes to explore the depths of Josh’s diseased mind. Harris does an admirable job as the lead; he plays the role with enough subtlety that he doesn’t come off as overly off-putting, while still maintaining that thousand-yard stare and detached timbre that let you know that his mind is always miles away, dreaming of some jealous fantasy. Allsup does a great job as well, serving both as a likable, naïve girl that you dread to know is doomed to run headfirst into a powder keg of crazy, and, in Josh’s fantasies, as both the abuser and abused as he makes his way through the cycle of infatuation and disgust. Josh’s friend Kevin (Jacob McGregor) is a major side character as well, initially acting to try and control Josh’s obsessive thoughts by convincing him to date other girls, but ultimately finding himself tangled in the mess and hastening the tragedy.

Sudden Reality Is a bleak, character-driven thriller that manages to keep things interesting through the juxtaposition of understated performances in reality and the melodrama of the fantasy world. The score compliments this contrast by shifting from airy, droning ambiance to a heavily-distorted orchestral feel as Josh becomes lost in his delusion. The cinematography is sharp and clean, with a great deal of emphasis on picking up the emotion on the characters’ faces. Worth tracking down if you’re looking for a nice, cringe-inducing dose of misery.