As the horror nation continues to drown in a pool of remakes, rehashes, and reboots, there is always a sliver of light that blurs above the surface. That light usually comes from fresh new artist from the indie world. Director Joseph Daniel Rodriguez shines in his new short “Ghost of the Deadlands.” A terrifically well shot short that is a fresh take on post-apocalyptic art.
The lone wolf sits quietly by a bonfire, draped in a black robe and adorning a dark skeletal mask. Three renegades confront the wolf with guns and tales of terror from the land gone bad. Quickly they realize the wolf harbors not only fatal fangs but secrets to the mysteriously world gone wrong.
Clocking in at around six minutes, this short concept production entertains more than some full features. With snappy dialogue, quick pacing, and some great effects, “Ghost of the Deadlands,” tells almost an entire story in a short time frame. Rodriguez shows great potential in tale telling with his selection of shots, cutting scenes with sharp vision. Makeup artist Rebekah and Angel Delgado present top-notch effects for the few transformation scenes and Indie icon Billy Pon (Director “Circus of the Dead”) brings his bigger than life persona in portrayal of one of the renegades. Cinematographer James Fite steals the show, putting out a high-resolution clean piece that can easily be compared to million-dollar budgeted films.
“Ghost of the Deadlands,” is a project the horror-nation would love to see as a full-length feature. Hinting at a post-apocalyptic zombie world with Syfy elements and perhaps from the point of view of someone who has been turned or controlling the turned. A modern take on old world zombies that followed a mystical leader. This talented crew is one to look out for in the future and hopefully create a tidal wave to usher in new, original, horror productions.