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‘Ruby’: Short film takes a chilling look at a twisted mind

When the lens settles on the first scene of “Ruby,” the first thing one experiences is a profound sense of being unsettled.  The locally produced and shot short horror film is, from the beginning, professional, tight, and psychologically disturbing, to say the least.  You can’t really describe too much about the plot line of a short film without giving too much away, but suffice it to say that the central idea revolves around a little girl with a lot of power and a sickened, violent mind.

And while the film stays completely away from scenes of gore and carnage, it’s one of those rare horror experiences in film that manages to hook, entrench, and terrify without the cheap, low-hanging fruit of blood and guts that horror films so often rely on for effect.  Much like the cult classic “The Blair Witch Project,” it allows it’s audience to use their imagination, and a strong backstory, to fill in the blanks.  The result is subtle but highly effective horror.

One of the film’s strongest assets, aside from it’s director, Chris Adler, is it’s lead actress:  A blonde, highly competent young Dakota Fanning type by the name of Skyler Day, who was auditioned and fit the role of Ruby perfectly.  And a young actress who can basically carry an entire film on her shoulders–even a short film–is a valuable asset.

She drawls, she paces, and her portrayal of a young, erratic psychopath with unconventional weapons ultimately turns into a short film experience with high production values that leaves a lasting impression.  Jill Adler plays her nearly frightened-silent victim effectively, too.  She makes the most of a role that doesn’t give her a lot to blatantly portray.

The film was shot in one day–which, even for a short film, is an impressive feat–on a set built at Kyle Mallory’s new local studio, Toyshed Studios.  It lays out like a tiny, dim cabin, perfectly decked out with creepy old photos and minimal furniture.  Again, it’s wasn’t isn’t present in the film, rather than what is, that really works in it’s favor.  Minimalism at it’s best.

The film was produced by writer/director Adler, along with Sadie Saunders Day.  Director of Photography Kenneth Wilcox beautifully shoots a bleak, dim cabin with deft clarity and a sense of impending doom.  Thom Rockwell is also in the credits as 1st AD, with Mary Boregino art first Assistant Camera and Steve Berlin as Gaffer, Danielle Schwager as script supervisor, and Matthew Adler on Production Audio.  Pete Day served as Production assistant and original music–perfectly shrill and paced to fit the low-key/high anticipation mood of the film was written by Randin Graves.

Jonathathon Mario was the makeup artist, and Key Hair/Makeup was headed by Denise Gorst and assistant hair and makeup by Stephanie Centeno.

While everything in this mini-phenomenon comes off as highly professional, one of the most impressive aspects of the film is that itty, bitty cabin.  It looks as though it were set up and shot on set in a previously existing cabin, but was in fact dressed only the night before shooting.  Adler says his out of pocket expenses amounted to only $600.00 for the 6-minute experience.

The set at Toyshed Studios in South Salt Lake was built by Noel Adler, Matthew Adler, and Travis Smith, with set direction by Sydney Wease, Sadie Saunders Day, Pete Day, and Kari Leavelle Wease.  Set photography to document the production was provided by Sally Meyer.

In other words: all in all, for a short film, it wasn’t a small affair.  A sizable crew stood behind the only two-person cast to make this work.

Creator Chris Adler says the company has plans to show his work at as many film festivals as possible, and get the word out.  He’s living proof that short films can be done quickly, efficiently, locally and professionally in a small window of time and with enough credibility to really turn heads.  But without cutting any corners on crew and quality.  And working with family, he adds, was a bonus.

“The co-star (Jill Adler) actually isn’t related to me at all,” he said. “The other Adler’s in the credits were my boys. One booms for me on everything and the other helped with the set construction. It was awesome.”

“We’re going to submit to the top horror films,” says Adler.  “The ultimate goal is to get some attention and drive interest in a feature version based on that character.”

Watch “Ruby” in it’s entirety here: