Shortcut(2020)

Shortcut (2020) is a British-Italian horror film directed by Alessio Liguori that blends monster horror with teen survival drama in a compact, nightmarish setting. With a runtime of just over 80 minutes, the film delivers a lean and atmospheric ride that attempts to balance suspense, coming-of-age themes, and creature feature thrills.

The story centers on five teenagers—Nolan, Bess, Queenie, Reggie, and Karl—who are riding on a school bus through the countryside. When their journey is abruptly rerouted due to a blocked road, the driver takes a mysterious shortcut through a remote forest. Things quickly spiral into chaos when the bus is hijacked by a criminal fugitive, only for both the hijacker and the group to discover something even more terrifying lurking in the dark: a creature that feeds on fear and thrives in the shadows.

Stranded in a tunnel, with no cell reception and nowhere to run, the teens are forced to work together to survive. Each character, though somewhat archetypal, goes through a moment of personal growth as they confront their deepest fears. The film’s main theme centers on courage in the face of the unknown and the strength found in unity.

Commentary:

Shortcut is not groundbreaking in terms of story—it borrows elements from other horror and survival films—but it benefits from strong atmosphere and effective use of setting. The dark tunnel, isolated forest, and fog-covered roads create a sense of claustrophobia and suspense. Cinematography leans heavily into shadows and tight framing, making the film feel more intense despite its low budget.

The creature design is a highlight. Though sparingly shown, the monster is creepy and effective, blending practical effects with some subtle digital enhancements. Its mythology is hinted at rather than fully explained, adding a layer of mystery that works in the film’s favor.

Where Shortcut falters is in character development and dialogue. The teenage protagonists feel familiar and sometimes flat, and their interactions occasionally drift into cliché. However, their performances—especially from the younger cast—are earnest and believable enough to carry the tension.

In the end, Shortcut doesn’t reinvent the horror genre, but it delivers a tight, moody thriller with a few good scares and a solid moral center. It’s the kind of small-scale horror film that thrives on atmosphere and simplicity, making it a decent pick for a short, suspenseful watch—especially for fans of creature-based horror.