This week ECHG writer Adam Holtzapfel takes a look at Parlour Tricks, the new short written and directed by Tristan Risk.

 

 

Actress Tristan Risk takes a turn behind the camera to bring genre fans the new short Parlour Tricks which takes a look at a “grieving” family trying to contact their aunt.

 

Clocking in at close to 7 1/2 minutes, Parlour Tricks has a comical flare you don’t typically see in “supernatural” films. The audience is introduced to Aleistar (Sean Covernton), Edward (Tyler James Nicol), Millie (Mandy Mauchline), and Hazel (Shawna Mauchline).

 

Aleistar is performing a seance trying to contact Aunt Ethel for the family, Tyler James Nicol sells the role of Edward through his facial expressions showing skepticism while the Mauchline’s sell their roles as being over the top about their aunt passing away. This definitely adds to what happens when things take a turn for the worse. Is the right spirit contacted or is it something else? You’ll have to see it to find out.

 

 

 

 

What works for this short is the sound, set design and the story that calls for over the top acting. Without the over the top element this story wouldn’t work. 

 

If a comical look at contacting the afterlife is your thing, then make sure to keep an eye out for Parlour Tricks. More information can be found on Facebook or at Bad Cookie Pictures Facebook page.