Keepsake! is a 2019 American gore horror short, written and directed by Nathan Hine. The short was produced by Hardgore Core Productions, known for their low-budget splatter productions such as The Last Days of Livermore (2018) as well as their video reviews of notorious entries to extreme cinema via their YouTube channel.
When a man goes to his favourite bar, he believes he has struck it lucky as he leaves with an attractive young lady. Little does he know, the dilapidated house she has escorted him back to holds several close secrets he wishes were never revealed to him.
The film’s story is a little thin on premise, only here to serve as a vector to deliver the gore-filled second act of this 25-minute short. Consequently, this isn’t a negative drawback, as, let’s face it, that’s why we’re here. The special effects are fairly comprehensive for the short’s tiny budget of just under $4000, featuring realistic prostheses with natural movement for dismembered limbs as well as litres of fake blood that hit the right colour and consistency. Undoubtedly, it is a palette cleanser to witness a role reversal to the normal formula, the usual violence against women flipped and instead exhibiting a female embracing the role of aggressor who brings about the visceral conclusion.
Although the story displays little imagination, Keepsake! features a number of cinematic visuals unique in the genre. A combination of beautiful establishing shots interspersed between an innovative implementation of atypical angles and panning shots, which skilfully strengthens the creative aspects of the projects. However, there is still an independent feel to this cinematography, with noticeable hard cuts on second-take camera pans in addition to a number of shaky, handheld shots, suggesting a learning experience for the crew involved.
Nevertheless, Keepsake!’s score elevates both the framing device and grisly violence. Defining the mood of each scene comfortably, the soundtrack eases the growing tension up to the short’s bloody climax, effectively delivering a sense of impact to the gruesome display.
Keepsake! is available to purchase on a special edition Blu-ray on the Darkstar Films website here. This release comes with a special collectors card as well as Italian and French subtitles.
Though featuring readily seen flaws, Keepsake! is an entertaining piece of independent extreme cinema, but I understand this type of cinema isn’t for everybody. Hardgore Core Productions’ passion for these visceral shorts is obvious through their bountiful catalogue of productions. With no signs of stopping anytime soon, I look forward to seeing more from the indie company and the writing/directing skills of Nathan Hine.
More from the Purveyors of Extreme Cinema
Being a subjective genre, horror, much like its fans, is incredibly varied compared to other genres in film. From solid scares, slow-burning tension or just a general spooky atmosphere, there… Taking place after the bloody conflict in The Princess of the Never-Ending Castle, “Twelve Sisters” (shortened for sake of sanity) takes another trip to the mind-bending world of branching realities… Feed is a 2005 Australian body horror thriller written by Kieran Galvin, and directed by Brett Leonard. The film is based on an idea by Patrick Thompson, and Alex O’Loughlin,… As an aficionado of the dark side of cinema, I am constantly seeking out new films. While on my journey I come across lists featuring the worlds most extreme and… Having a roommate can be hard. Whether it’s disrespect of the kitchen cleaning rules or failing to remember how thin the average bedroom wall is, living with another person is… Rave (Svartklubb) is a 2020 Swedish body horror film written and directed by Nils Alatalo in his first feature-length debut after graduating from film school. The film stars Isabelle Grill…
11 Best Extreme Films – Delving into the Depraved and Deviant
The Twelve Sisters of the Never-Ending Castle (2021) Manga Review – Guts in Knots
Feed (2005) Film Review – Can You Stomach It?
10 Extreme & Disturbing Films You Probably Have Not Seen
2LDK (2003) Film Review – Killer Co-habitation in the Tiny Rooms of Tokyo
Rave (2020) Film Review – We’re Off to the Discotech
Hey there, I’m Jim and I’m located in London, UK. I am a Writer and Managing Director here at Grimoire of Horror. A lifelong love of horror and writing has led me down this rabbit hole, allowing me to meet many amazing people and experience some truly original artwork. I specialise in world cinema, manga/graphic novels, and video games but will sometime traverse into the unknown in search of adventure.