The Grindhouse Gospel

Director - Rowdy Riter

Starring - Rowdy Riter

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (YouTube)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love when I come across an aspiring indie filmmaker who is working hard to turn their ideas into something enjoyable for genre fans.  Several weeks ago I befriended a musician and filmmaker on Instagram when he reached out to about his upcoming short The Grindhouse Gospel 2.  I had no idea there was a Grindhouse Gospel 1 so I quickly rushed to YouTube where I found the short streaming.  It runs around five or six minutes and is an interesting short to say the least.  I want to thank Rowdy for hitting me up and letting me know about the short.

     The film follows a young man who spends his last moments with a body that is wrapped up tight.  However, before he gets too comfortable the end comes calling and a noose finds it's way around his neck.

     The Grindhouse Gospel feels more like a music video for a metal band instead of a short.  However, it's lack of music makes it clear that it was meant to be a horror short.  I liked several things about the short but there was some aspects that I had issues with.  The acting in this one is not what you would expect from a horror flick.  Instead, we follow a lone man as he chills before ending his life.  Not something you can really judge but its not bad or awkward as it sounds.  The story for this one is simple and straight to it.  Someone, presumably a killer, takes his life after spending some time with a corpse.  It's not a narrative that you are accustomed to.  If the short had a more traditional story that you could follow it would have been more enjoyable.  Finally, the film doesn't have any blood or guts so those of you with a taste of blood will be very disappointed.  However, if you want something with some atmosphere and tension then you will find it here.  Overall, The Grindhouse Gospel isn't something that will stick with you but it's interesting to see the humble beginnings of an aspiring filmmaker who has what looks to be a promising future.  Keep in mind, this is a no budget short but it has what many others lack and that's heart.