Written and directed by Richard J. Bosner, while up late one night, a precocious boy uncovers his mother’s dark devotion. Starring: Mackenzie Firgens, Grant Feely and Ben Bladon.

As soon as you delve into Devotee things are immediately incredibly tense, the atmosphere is thick with foreboding and devilish anticipation. It kicks things off on the perfect note for what is to come. Something that Richard J. Bosner keeps going strong consistently throughout the short, it grows even more creepy, suspicious and dark as it moves forward. The quality of Bosner’s direction is sharp, Brian Rigney Hubbard’s cinematography satisfyingly leans into that darkness and all the rich colours which come along with that.

Paired with a simplicity yet crisp edge to the editing from Robert Schafer, it’s not trying to up the intensity with unnecessary fast cuts, instead understanding the power of lingering and keeping your viewers waiting. The story has that quintessential friendly yet threatening presence, holding things in an uncertain realm. It’s confidently from Ray’s (Grant Feely) perspective, seeing it through a child’s eyes nicely intensifies things. It moves well and makes you question lots of aspects, which is always great in horror. Although the progression can feel a tad unfinished, as though it needed a bit more development before wrapping everything up.

However, Grant Feely was a great piece of casting, he’s excellent in the lead here. It’s not easy to find child actors who can hold themselves as well as Feely does here. He never overplays his hand with the fear factor, he brings a very capable, smart persona to Ray and has a remarkably sensible and mature air to him. Mackenzie Firgens as his mother Loraine then pushes the horror side of things, leaning into the cult element and almost feeling reminiscent of Alyssa Sutherland in Evil Dead Rise but much more low-key. Ben Bladon then serves as the disturbing cherry on top.

Devotee has the presence of a sincere horror fan, Richard J. Bosner knows what boxes to tick and does it well. It has a genuinely strong atmosphere, filled with tension and suspense. It feels no need to lean on effects which is always appreciated. Bosner embraces the darkness but keeps things through that lens of such young eyes. Other than feeling like there could have been a bit more story to tell, it’s a strong piece of short film that’s just the right amount of creepy.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

Screened as part of HollyShorts Film Festival 2024