Taking a Bite Out of "Elysia"

Yours truly, The Horror Nerd has not written a film review in quite some time, which is a shame, because I have neglected this site for too long.  So, when  actress/writer/producer Chloe Carroll asked me to check out her new short film, "Elysia" (now showing on Fear Crypt's YouTube channel), I jumped at the chance.  I love a good vampire flick, and this one does not disappoint!

Now, those of you who have read my reviews know that I don't like to give away too many plot details.  The whole point is to get you to watch this excellent film, so I'm going to paint this with broad strokes.

---

Molly (played by the aforementioned Chloe Carroll) and Elysia (played by the equally lovely and talented Rachel Donahue) are immortal vampires who have been in a relationship for decades (or perhaps longer, the film is does not specify).  Immortality has its price though, and while Molly and Elysia remain young and beautiful forever, it's not so for those they love.  Molly's son is dying from old age, and the trauma sends Molly down a dark path that both she and Elysia must deal with.  This path leads them both to a shattering climax.  There, that's all I am going to give you!  You'll just have to watch the film for yourself.  Now, what did I think of it?

Let's face it.  There are a LOT of vampire flicks out there, and it's hard to come up with something new.  "Elysia" does have some similarities to vampire tales that have come before.  There's no way around that, but it's the strength of the performances of the two leads that really carries this one.  Carroll and Donahue do a great job of conveying what it must be like to remain youthful forever, while watching your loved ones age and die.  I also liked the fact that while the main characters a mythical creatures, their relationship is based very much in reality in the sense that they have to deal with the same emotions as 'normal' people.

Here's another thing that I liked about it.  The film is very sexy.  The two lead actresses are both beautiful, and they bring I high degree of sensuality to their roles.  Vampires are often portrayed as sensual creatures, right!  BUT, the film never relies on just trying to titillate the viewer with the idea of two female vampires in a sexual relationship.  That's just part of the story, and it's clear that this is a 'real' relationship, with all the emotional depth of any other.  Kudos to the writers, directors and actors for pulling this off so well.

I also loved that it's a tight, compact story that was not dragged on.  The writers (Chloe Carroll & Brittany Snyman) and director (Wesley Mellott) could have easily gone on and on, padding out the run time like so many short films do.  I'm glad they were able to tell a complete story in the efficient ten-minute run time.
​
On a technical level, the film is very well done.  It's well shot and I particularly loved the color palette that was chosen.   

Overall, this film is very well done, and I recommend "Elysia" without reservation.  You can watch it on YouTube, and you should do it RIGHT NOW!

---