There are many types of monsters in this world, and they all come in different shapes and sizes. But what defines a monster? Well, that really depends on the person. People often say anyone who would harm a child is a “monster,” and I would have to agree. But what if child predators were actually monsters? The short film Heir (2015) dives into this disturbing and horrifying concept.
Presented by Fatal Pictures, produced by Zach Green, and written/directed by Richard Powell comes a disturbing yet brilliant story starring Bill Oberst Jr. (Criminal Minds, Death House), Robert Nolan (Familiar, Mourning Has Broken), and Mateo D’Avino. With the right combination of phenomenal acting, a unique concept, awesome special effects, and a heartbreaking plot line, Heir is a must-see horror short.
Gordon (Nolan) has been talking to a stranger online about disturbing things; secrets, and feelings he’s been trying to hide for a long time. He finally decides to bite the bullet and take his son, Paul (D’Avino), to meet up with the stranger, Denis (Oberst Jr.), in hopes that he will finally indulge in his hidden passion.
At first, they meet up at a diner, where the conversation is anything but normal, you can feel the awkward tension between the two men and the son. Shortly after, they drive to Denis’s house, where things get even stranger as Paul passes out soon after drinking something Denis gave him. Gordon freaks out, but Denis assures him that this is his golden opportunity. They go to the backroom, where Denis’s dirty little secret is chained up on the bed, and just as Gordon is about to back out, Denis reveals what he truly is… a monster. As he gets closer to the boy, his skin begins to bubble, and a liquid comes oozing out of his hand. Terrified and confused, Gordon realizes he has the same marking on his hand. Will he resist temptation or do what comes most naturally to him?
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Honestly, when I first read the synopsis of this movie, I wasn’t sure what to think. This is a tough subject for people, and not everyone can stomach it. Child predators are the definition of what evil is, and this story really shows the dark side of it is disturbing but also heartbreaking moments.
Beyond the story, the special effects were awesome. They really helped bring it all together and make it more than just a drama. The transformation was slow and sickening, making me cringe. You could tell much thought went into what a monster of this kind would look like; its features and specific details. It was creative and reminded me of a Goosebumps character mixed in with our worst nightmares. Something a child would find terrifying.
In addition, the actors delivered amazing performances. Without them, the story wouldn’t have left such an impact. Their emotions and expressions throughout Heir were strong. You could feel what they were feeling… the tension and awareness of the situation. The roller coaster of emotions. Everything.
Overall, I was entirely impressed with this horror short. I love horror shorts in general, but this one stands out among the rest. They managed to tell a story, one that is a very dark subject, and do it tastefully. Not all shorts can deliver such a stronger message, but Heir tackled this in only 14 minutes. Some full-length features can’t even do that. Want to know what a real monster is? Check out Heir, and then you’ll know.
