Short Film Review: “Blunda”

Directed by Fredrik Hellqvist
Sweden • Horror • 9 Mins

Blunda (in english "close your eyes") is a short horror film about night terrors and follows Vanya who is haunted by The Marasite in her dreams. In order to detect the cause of Vanya’s night terrors, a professor in clinical neuroscience puts her under, but rather than curing her, he unwittingly unlocks something rather sinister and unpleasant from her mind instead.

There’s no weak link in this film. Everything is precise, considered, necessary and above all, expertly executed. There’s some wonderful editing in the film, particularly the transitions between the dream state and reality. The cinematography is stunning, with each state having it’s own visual identity. The colours are rich within the darkness of the safe space and cold & foreboding within the dreamworld purposefully punctuating the emotional undercurrents felt by Vanya. The claustrophobic feeling and tight framing in the professors study gives a safe, warm feel to the environment which contrasts brilliantly with the wide shots of the cold, endless wild expanse of the dream scape, where literally anything could happen. 

The performances are also fantastic. Inès Cherif as Vanya gives an emotionally engaging and captivating performance that really draws you in. And Henry Lodin as the Professor is equally as brilliant with a calm reassuring presence, which not only lulls us the audience into a false sense of security but also himself. 

Along with other key elements like the sound design, director Fredrik Hellqvist brings everything together with perfect synchronicity to create a haunted, emotional and creepy short horror that cleverly and slowly builds up suspense towards the climax.

Packed with suspense, chilling moments and wonderful imagery, Blunda is a brilliantly unstated and expertly executed little horror film.

9/10

Blunda was nominated for Best Horror, Best Editing and Best Sound at our 2022 film festival.

Reviewed by Philip Pugh