Skip to content

ISOLATION [FrightFest 2021]

Written By:

Martin Unsworth
isolation

It’s no surprise that the last 18 months or so has had an effect on people, and virus stories and lockdown films will probably appear more and more. Isolation is a collection of six shorts that were made under the restrictions we’ve been put under throughout the pandemic. They’ve been brought together in this anthology and, like many that have come before it, some sections are better than others.

The virus that links these films isn’t Covid, but something even more virulent, but the situations are instantly recognisable if exaggerated. The opening segment, written, directed by, and starring cult indie legend Larry Fessenden is also the most powerful. It opens with shots of a deserted New York – something that would never be possible in other circumstances. As he succumbs to fever, we’re treated to a stop-motion filming technique that’s really disorientating. It concludes with a heartbreakingly poignant moment.

Other subjects include the crackpot 5G theories (a short by Andrew Kasch, which at least has a fun payoff). Bobby Roe’s segment Pacific Northwest features some fantastic child acting from his children Sunny and Bodhi. London-based short It’s Inside covers more conspiracies and how they can alter the mindset of those who believe and propagate them. It’s also the goriest, with some genuinely horrific images.

There are some who will find Isolation heavy going and too emotional, particularly if they’ve lost someone to the virus. It could even be too soon to fully process the short stories included in the film, but they’re a reflection of what people have had to go through. It’s a grim, often disturbing watch and very well made. Approach with caution.

You May Also Like...

black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More
michael keaton as beetlejuice in beetlejuice 2 trailer

First Look At Jenna Ortega In BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Trailer

Almost 40 years down the road, the infamous bio-exorcist finally returns in the first trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic film. Jenna Ortega (Wednesday,
Read More