Synopsis of “Cut to Pieces” via IMDB:

“A young and talented artist has her dreams cut to pieces by an unsavory gallery director, but the blood, sweat, and tears she puts into her work, ultimately proves that you should never underestimate the power of art.”

My Review:

I love when movies shock me.  I especially love when I think I know whats going to happen in the movie doesn’t happen.  “Cut to Pieces” was able to creep me out more than I care to admit.  While I was watching this short I figured I had the whole scenario down; a struggling artist is trying to get her name out but a ruthless and skeevy gallery owner takes away her dreams, so in revenge she murders him.  This short does follow most of the above outline with the exception of the last part.  I’ll leave it at that so as to whet your appetite for seeing this short – but I will say, the creepy factor gets ramped up.

Another aspect of this short that I really enjoyed was the plot. Besides trying to take over the horror industry, I’m also an Interior Designer and have been creating art since I was a kid.  I’ve run into many people who have told me I’m not good enough, I’m not talented enough, I need to dumb down my work, etc. It’s tough hearing that but you find a way to persevere and move forward.  This film brought up memories from me that I had thought I had forgotten – memories where I was in that position of not being given a chance. However, looking back, those negative comments drove me to be who I am today – someone who is successful in her industry.  So for me, this film definitely played with my heart strings and made me sympathize with the main character, Elle Chase (played by Deanna Dilandro).

Speaking of characters, I always love a good villain.  From the moment Sam Sebastian (who played the gallery owner, Erik Pedell) walked on screen, I was sold.  He oozed cockiness and just made you uncomfortable with how he looked at and spoke to Elle Chase.  In short, Erik Pedell was a douche and I loved every minute of it!  What was really my favorite part of this whole movie is what transpired after Erik tells Elle that her artwork isn’t good enough.  I will leave that for your own viewing.

All in all, I really enjoyed “Cut to Pieces.”  I think Anthony Mezza did a great job directing it and bringing the viewer into his story.  Could the acting have been a bit stronger?  Yes, but overall the characters did what they were supposed to do which was elicit a reaction from the viewer.  With that said, I give “Cut to Pieces” a 4 out of 5 stars and I cannot wait to watch Anthony Mezza’s next film!

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Shannon McGrew

Founder/Co-Owner at Nightmarish Conjurings

Shannon is the Founder of Nightmarish Conjurings and a lover of all things horror and haunt related. When she's not obsessively collecting all things "Trick 'R Treat" related, or trying to convince everyone that "Hereditary" is one of the greatest horror films ever made, you can find her designing interiors for commercial restaurants. An avid haunt fan, Shannon spends the entire year visiting haunts and immersive experiences throughout the Southern California area and hopes to one day design her own haunted attraction.

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