Horror Short Review: The Tattooist (2019)

Michael Wong is a Malaysian film director currently residing in Beijing, China. He has a new micro-short (The Tattooist) currently making its round at the horror film festival circuit. As well as winning a number of international accolades. Winner at Canada’s Bloody Horror International Film Festival, Horrorhaus Film Festival in LA, Canada’s Terror in the Bay Film Festival and multiple wins at Diabolical Horror Film Festival, nominee at Vancouver Badass Film Festival, to name just a few.

The Tattooist’ follows the dark obsessions of a tattooist whose studio is acclaimed for its exceptional and intricately crafted tattoos. Those who receive his prized masterpiece are drugged, imprisoned, and then forced to fight their fears in a race against the clock to escape. Can they escape or will they become victims of The Tattooist?

Not even a minute and a half, The Tattooist is fast and loose. Blending horror and art, it’s a wonderfully shot and colourful looking thing. It’s also really harrowing as we get these sharp and fast cuts between horrendous imagery of torture and suffering.

In such a short amount of time, Wong manages to tell a complete story. We see the tattooist at work, we see his dungeon and the pain he inflicts on his victim before leaving us with a shot of the mysterious man dancing while doing his work. It conjures up his evil and just how much he clearly enjoys what he does. It will leave you feeling cold.

Very impressive. From the way in which Wong captures the horror but also the excellent performances from Troy’s Team Action and amazing music by Found In The Attic. The moment it ends, you’ll want it watch it again and again to drink in the wonderful horror.