Horror Short Review: Shut the Door at 10:04 (2024)

Written and directed and starring Zachary Padgett, Shut the Door at 10:04 is a monstrous horror short, one that screams ‘independent filmmaking’ but does a great job of being memorable.

Jack races home, desperate to get inside, as the clock ticks on. He manages to get inside his bedroom and close the door just as the time hits 10:04 (PM). He appears to be safe, but from what? Whatever is currently knocking and banging on his door, clearly wanting to come inside.

It is a very strong start, and it quickly becomes clear that this is a daily experience for the man as he gets ready for bed, exemplified by the post it note that says ‘shut the door at 10:04, safe to open at 08:13’. Now that is creepy.

To say anymore is to spoil an excellent horror short that does rely on a bit of character stupidity to pay things off. It’s ok though because the core concept and how it is shown, stands out. This is imaginative and ripe for expansion. Check it out yourself, below.