Movie spotlight
The Midnight Disease
Jack Jones, a reclusive writer with one successful novel under his belt, has been slowly sinking into depression and alcoholism due to his increasing writer's block. Just when he is about to throw in the towel, a mysterious figure leaves a special package by Jack s front door: a jar of blood. At first, Jack believes it to be some sort of prank... Until the night he uncaps the jar and a beautiful, zombie-like woman emerges from his bedroom closet. To Jack's disbelief, the woman sits before his typewriter and starts writing his new novel. But once the jar is empty, the woman will not return. In the end, Jack's obsession over having the woman finish his new book -- his masterpiece -- causes him to sink into deadly depths to supply her with all the blood she needs, no matter where it comes from or how he must get it. How far would you go to achieve success?
Insights
Plot Summary
A man wakes up one night and discovers that he is slowly losing his ability to write, as if the words themselves are disappearing from his mind. This escalating writer's block, which he calls 'The Midnight Disease,' threatens to consume him entirely. He desperately tries to document his experience before the disease takes hold completely.
Critical Reception
As a short film, 'The Midnight Disease' received acclaim within the independent horror and festival circuits for its unique premise and unsettling atmosphere. It's often praised for its effective use of tension and psychological horror on a limited runtime.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its clever concept of a literal 'writer's block' as a horror.
Appreciated for its efficient storytelling and building of dread.
Noted for its compelling performance in a short format.
Google audience: Audience reception for this short film is generally positive, with viewers often highlighting its inventive premise and disturbing psychological elements. Many found it to be a memorable and effectively creepy short.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at various film festivals, including the Slamdance Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Chris McKay is also known for his work on 'The Lego Movie' and 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'.
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