Horror Short Film "While Mortals Sleep" | ALTER | Online Premiere

Summary

A woman named Susan, on a break from her cold case investigations, seeks solace at a remote house. She encounters Eddy and Abby, who claim to be caretakers of the property. As tensions rise, Susan learns of their disturbing beliefs, involving a mysterious black ooze and a baby they believe to be divine. As Susan grows more unsettled by their erratic behavior, she becomes entangled in their twisted worldview, questioning her own sanity. The eerie atmosphere intensifies, blending psychological tension with supernatural horror in a story about desperation, belief, and the consequences of unchecked obsession.

Takeaways

• 😀 The protagonist, Susan, is going through a personal struggle, trying to get her life back after a difficult situation.
• 😀 Susan has a phone conversation where it’s clear she's been betrayed, and she questions whether her actions make her a monster for trying to help others.
• 😀 The scene shifts to a mysterious house where Susan stays, which is monitored by a caretaker named Eddy, who has a strange way of living.
• 😀 Eddy and a woman named Abby seem to have a strange relationship, and they’re involved in odd rituals involving supernatural beliefs.
• 😀 The plot centers around a mysterious baby, whom Eddy and Abby claim to care for in unusual ways, believing the baby is divine.
• 😀 Susan feels sympathy for the parents of a missing child, and she sought to help them, but her actions seem to have triggered dark consequences.
• 😀 The baby’s behavior and care are a point of tension, with Abby insisting the baby is healthy, while Susan believes the baby needs medical attention.
• 😀 There are hints of disturbing events involving an otherworldly black ooze that Abby and Eddy consumed, which may have caused the child’s unusual nature.
• 😀 Susan becomes increasingly unsettled by the strange events unfolding in the house, including disturbing visions and interactions with Eddy and Abby.
• 😀 By the end, the atmosphere becomes more eerie and unsettling as Susan grapples with her fears, the supernatural happenings, and the baby’s strange influence.

Q & A

What is the significance of Susan's phone conversation at the start of the script?

Susan's phone conversation sets the tone for her emotional state. She is frustrated and disillusioned, seeking a return to normalcy, but is met with resistance and vague promises. This conversation establishes the sense of helplessness and anticipation that persists throughout the scene.

What is implied by the black substance mentioned by Abby and Eddy?

The black substance is described as something 'divine' and is linked to a disturbing, cult-like belief. Abby and Eddy consume it and claim that it brings them closer to some supernatural force. It symbolizes a dark power that may influence their actions and worldview, making it a key element in the disturbing atmosphere of the scene.

How does the script explore the theme of manipulation?

The manipulation is evident in how Abby and Eddy both subtly control and influence Susan. They frame their actions as acts of love or divine guidance, masking the disturbing nature of their actions. Susan’s growing discomfort is contrasted with their calm and persuasive demeanor, showcasing their ability to manipulate her emotions and perceptions.

What role does the baby play in the script?

The baby represents both innocence and a disturbing force. Its condition and the way Abby and Eddy present it as 'perfect' despite its unsettling behaviors highlight the twisted nature of their beliefs. The baby serves as a focal point for the supernatural elements and symbolizes the unnatural control Abby and Eddy have over their lives.

Why does Susan become increasingly agitated during her time at the house?

Susan’s agitation grows as she becomes more aware of the bizarre behavior of Abby and Eddy, as well as the unsettling atmosphere surrounding the house. She feels a loss of control, and the strangeness of the situation, coupled with the eerie events unfolding around her, pushes her toward emotional instability.

What does the recurring motif of 'dominoes' represent in the script?

The 'dominoes' metaphor suggests a sense of inevitability and interconnectedness. The idea that Susan must 'wait' and 'see how the dominoes fall' highlights her lack of agency and foreshadows that events are set in motion and may spiral out of control, regardless of her actions.

How does the setting (the house and its environment) contribute to the overall tone?

The house serves as a claustrophobic, isolated setting that amplifies the sense of unease. The fact that Susan is staying in someone else's home, combined with the strange, unsettling noises (such as the whistling and gurgling), creates an atmosphere of intrusion and psychological tension.

What is the significance of the baby’s crying and Eddy's interaction with it?

The baby's crying and Eddy's attempts to calm it demonstrate the deep emotional and psychological divide between the characters. Eddy insists the baby is 'perfect' despite its disturbing behavior, signaling his denial of reality. The baby's cries also symbolize a deeper emotional conflict and suggest something is wrong in the household.

How does the script address the theme of sacrifice and devotion?

The theme of sacrifice is explored through Abby and Eddy's devotion to their beliefs, even to the point of abandoning normal parental care. Their willingness to endure strange rituals and engage in unsettling practices to 'raise' the child highlights the extremity of their devotion to the dark force they believe in.

What role does the dialogue about 'changing the world' play in the script?

The dialogue about 'changing the world' functions as a key element in showing Abby and Eddy’s belief in their mission, which they see as justified despite the harm it causes. This obsession with world-changing reflects their delusion and manipulation, positioning them as figures of authority in their twisted worldview, and further drawing Susan into their reality.