Paiol

Another inspirational reach into iconic sci-fi monsters, this time as origami of Japanese Tatarigami apocalyptic demons, virtual simulation, and the Predator (after all, its origins also trace back to legends of mythical creatures from the jungles of Southeast Asia). The atmosphere of the place is sufficiently created by the slowed-down sounds of a helicopter rotor and authentic footage of napalm drops, but once again, this overly long trailer lacks a bit more tightness, and when the mythology surrounding the River God is finally revealed, you wish it hadn’t happened. The trademark wide-open endings of Oats Studios shorts are starting to look like a cop-out. (29/09/2023)

It's a pity that this short doesn't actually end in any way. I have no problem with the open ending, I like those, but rather I'd like to know more about the origin of the (brilliant) monster. The make-up and all those bloody practical effects are, on the other hand, amazing. (22/01/2018)

Neill Blomkamp's handwriting is starting to seem somewhat similar in most of his films, and I'm starting to feel a bit like his shorts don't pack the same punch as his features. It's as if he simply can't create a sufficiently engaging and immersive atmosphere, and so the entire 20-minute film ultimately comes to naught, despite a pretty decent course in places... (04/10/2021)