Short Cuts: What They Say!

Based on the short story “What They Say” written by Heather Dorff

Screenplay by Kelsey Zukowski and Heather Dorff

Directed by Justin R. Romine of Fathead Films

Produced by Serenity Pictures, Heather Dorff, and Keith Romine of Fathead Films.

In association with Serenity Pictures and Blue in Black Entertainment

Evil lies within. How long will it stay there?

Troubled young women. They battle the world day in and day out - anger, loathing, despair - sometimes  they spill over into violence - against others - against themselves. But what if there's more inside than seething rage and dark thoughts. And what if the cutting is a desperate attempt to get it out?

This short film explores those notions across a sixteen minute running time filled with raw emotion, nightmare imagery, some shocking violence, and several chilling moments that had me uneasy for quite a while after the movie had ended. It is all anchored by a compelling lead performance from Heather Dorff as the unnamed lead. She brings a laser focus to the role, jittery with pent up energy and swathed in disdain for the mundane world that refuses to see just what is going on inside her. She's marvellous, and I look forward to seeing more from her as she has a bright future ahead of her if talent is any indication.

I don't want to say too much more as that would only lead to spoilers. The short is well produced; the acting from the supporting cast is pretty good across the board, with Kelsey Zukowski standing out; and director Justin Romine marshals it all to the screen with a fine visual style and solid editing.


The short has been garnering awards at festival screenings all over the place - and rightfully so - hopefully it will soon be available for everyone to see - as I highly recommend giving it a watch. My thanks to Heather Dorff for arranging a screening for me!



Until next post, you Can Poke Me With A Fork, Cause I Am Outta Here!