OVERTIME (2016)

Horror comedies is probably one of the best genres (or hybrids or sub-genres or whatever) for short films. The comic aspect allows for it to be a bit lighter and not taken AS seriously, while also emphasizing the need for brevity and speed. Meanwhile, the scarier elements let filmmakers show off their ability to build tension, or use f/x, or interesting cinematography that filmmakers aren’t able to indulge in with most funny movies.

One of the most heralded horror comedy shorts of the past decade is 2016’s OVERNIGHT. Directed by Craig D. Foster (from a script by Foster and Emma McKenna), this Australian endeavor was featured in over 28 film festivals and garnered multiple awards from them. It’s a simple premise that’s injected with hilarious foreboding and ever escalating tension until a terrific bloody punchline at the end. Ralph (Aaron Glenane) wants to hurry up and leave work before it gets too late on Friday, but it seems that everything and everyone is conspiring to keep him in the office. But he needs to leave there immediately, for reasons that become obvious and hilarious.

Below is the Omeleto link for the short as the Vimeo page’s thumbnail gives away a fun twist in the proceedings. Still, OVERTIME is a ton of fun and a great way to kick off Mocktoberfest 2021 with this darkly brilliant horror comedy.