A Thousand Words: Bloodline
Directed by Jerod Brennen and Justin Lewis
Tempered Zealot Productions

While I may be somewhat new to the world of horror short films, it is easy to see that A Thousand Words: Bloodline is well above average in terms of direction, video quality and acting. This is a slick, professional looking 26 minute film that manages to pack a lot of punch despite being under the half hour mark.

A sequel to A Thousand Words, the story of Ian, a serial killer armed with an axe in one hand and a camera in the other, continues in this film. The film opens with Ian doing what he does best, murdering a girl and taking photos. The opening scene is well paced and is an effective start to a quick moving short film.

The story revolves around Ian and his son Steven, who is a strange teenager that is routinely harassed by the other teenagers in his neighborhood. When the boyfriend of the girl he likes becomes violent with Steven, Ian does what any father world and goes on a blood spilling rampage. While it might sound like your average slasher film, the relationship between the father and son is quite unique as is the story itself once it reaches the conclusion. Axe murderers are nothing new to the horror genre, but this isn't your average killer with an axe movie. The violence isn't excessive and there is more to the story than your average slasher film. Hell, this isn't even a half hour long and it has more plot than some horror films three times the length.

While it isn't imperative to understanding the story to see the first film, it is included on the DVD. The first film is shorter but no less effective. It has an interesting concept and leaves you wanting more which the sequel definitely delivers. The DVD has quite a few other bonus features as well. You have a photo gallery, an alternate scene, make-up FX video, and a number of different audio tracks. Throw the DVD into your computer and you'll find even more bonus features.

With a well written script and solid acting this short film manages to be a cut above the rest, pun definitely intended. The directing duo definitely have a future in the horror genre and I can't wait to see the results if they decide to tackle a full length feature.

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