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In 2019, it is fair to say that more horror fans are desensitized to disturbing content than ever before. With a wide range of titles depicting senseless brutality, over-the-top gore, and shock content, there just isn’t much we haven’t seen at this point. That is why it’s both refreshing and surprising for a short film to come along and blow that mindset out of the water. When Susurrus Stirs is an imaginative and incredibly gruesome short film you won’t soon forget.
The story of When Susurrus Stirs follows a man who discovers his body is playing host to a massive, ancient parasite called Susurrus. Although doctors want to remove it, the man and Susurrus form an unhealthy (for the host) symbiotic bond. It continues to grow, with an insatiable hunger, before an absolutely shocking conclusion.
Although the heart of the premise itself has been told before in a variety of ways, there is a uniqueness to be found within When Susurrus Stirs. The dialogue, adapted from a short story by director Anthony Cousins and writer Kevin Semlak, is almost unearthly while pairing well with a haunting score from Tim Holly.
While all of this elevates the film quite nicely, the outstanding makeup and FX by Ryan Schaddelee truly pushes things into the next level. Lead actor Nathan Tymoshuk makes his transformation from ordinary guy to mutant in a quite beautiful, yet repulsive, way. There are pivotal scenes showing us what is going on in the mind of the host as he accepts his fate. These could have easily gotten jumbled and confusing, however, the FX, writing, and directing are quite cohesive throughout.
When Susurrus Stirs tells an intricate and grisly story that should satisfy even hardcore gorehounds and body horror fans. You can watch it for free now on YouTube via ALTER.
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