All Men Can Be Monsters

Director - Christian Fescine

Starring - Everett Lauster, Kayla Orben, Kevin McComb

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (YouTube)

Rating (out of 5):

     I went through a spell where I was getting in a lot of different shorts to review.  I actually enjoyed checking out all these shorts that was sent my way.  Some directors are extremely passionate about the films they had written and knew that their stories would not work as a feature length film.  A few weeks ago I was contacted to review the short All Men Can Be Monsters which was available on YouTube.  I haven't seen many horror shorts this year so I was excited to dive into another one.

     The film follows a man who is seeing a woman who has recently broke up with her boyfriend.  However, her ex is still trying to get back with her forcing him to try and confront him.  Sadly, her ex is a bigger man and beats him up.  That night while the two are having dinner something horrible happens to the young man and she is forced to call her ex for protection from the beast within.

     When I was contacted to review All Men Can Be Monsters my mind immediately started racing with all the possibilities as to what the short would be about.  It was an extremely effective short that I really enjoyed but the story could have been so much more.  The acting in this is great.  The cast is relatively small but everyone really does a fantastic job.  Their chemistry on screen is great and their reactions feel genuine.  The story for this one is exactly why I love shorts.  It's simple and straight to the point.  We get a grounded relationship complete with the ex that refuses to leave but there is something darker at play here.  I liked the way the film went but it was predictable and left a lot on the table.  The "beast" within the lead was fun but I could see so much more coming out of this story besides the whole "ex boyfriend was right" angle.  I liked it but as a genuine horror fan I could see so much more carnage coming out of a story like this.  Finally, the film has a little make-up effects but nothing that stands out or memorable.  It's not a blood bath like I was expecting but it was still enjoyable.  Overall, All Men Can Be Monsters is a fun watch.  The cast is amazing and the story makes great use of it's time.  If you have around 20 minutes to kill then I would highly suggest hitting play on this one.