Horror Short Review: Genevieve (2020)

Nicholas Michael Jacobs is back with a new horror experience for us all to enjoy. An independent film director, Jacobs has been slowly honing his craft with low-budget offerings that include 2019’s Night and Urban Fears as well as the 2020’s anthology, Tales from Six Feet Under.

Come July 15th, 2020, his latest offering…a 5 minute short called Genevieve will be unleashed upon the world. A spin-off of Urban Fears.

The synopsis sees Ted Morris attending his son’s funeral while two criminals are breaking into his home. These criminals are trying to steal the notorious killer doll, Genevieve. Because they think the doll would be worth some money, but these people have no idea what they’re dealing with.

An enjoyable piece of work, there’s an air of familiarity with Genevieve for those who have been watching Jacob’s work to date. He enjoys tight and up-close shots as well as utilising POV and off-balance angles. It makes Genevieve feel more real, as though we’re in the room too even though it is not a found-footage movie.

Short and to the point, the titular doll has a creepy and amateur design and from the moment it appears, you know it’s bad news. Admittedly, we don’t really get to see much in the way of horror when the doll does attack but the intent is clear. These criminals aren’t getting out alive.