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...

AFRICAN KUNG FU NAZIS PART 2 UK premiere this weekend

Excellent news for those in the vicinity of the nation’s capital with a fondness for supremely silly nonsense: African Kung Fu Nazis Part 2 – the cleverly-titled sequel to one
Read More
dream in the sandman season 2 trailer

THE SANDMAN Season 2 Releases Trailer

The trailer for the second and final season of Netflix’s The Sandman has been released. Volume 1 of Season 2 will release on July 3rd with six episodes: “Season of
Read More
tom rhys harries announced as dc's clayface

CLAYFACE Movie Finds Its Lead In Tom Rhys Harries

As you likely know by now, a Clayface movie is in the works at DC, written by horror trailblazer Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, Doctor Sleep,
Read More
Star Wars: Han Solo: Hunt for the Falcon

Han Solo’s Hunt For The Falcon In New STAR WARS Comic

A new comic book miniseries set in the years building up to the Star Wars sequel trilogy will follow Han Solo as he travels the galaxy in search of his
Read More
david harbour to return as santa claus in violent night 2

VIOLENT NIGHT 2 Sees Tommy Wirkola Return To Direct

Tommy Wirkola is returning to helm the sleigh for Violent Night 2, the sequel to his 2022 killer-Santa action movie starring David Harbour. In the first film, Harbour begins his
Read More
lewis pullman and dad bill pullman reunite in spaceballs sequel

Lewis Pullman In Talks To Star In SPACEBALLS Sequel

Hollywood’s latest man of the moment, Lewis Pullman, is in talks to star opposite dad Bill Pullman in the upcoming Spaceballs sequel. Having recently appeared in blockbuster features like Top
Read More