Queer Horror Short Catches Clive Barker's Eye

Drafthouse Films is creating The ABCs of Death - a chapter-based horror film that presents 26 ways to die (like Edward Gorey's The Gashlycrumb Tinies, but less twee and with more blood). Inspired by children's ABC books, each chapter in the film will be helmed by a different director.

While 25 directors have been selected, it's up to the denizens of the internet to choose the final auteur - who will construct a gruesome murder based on the letter T. There are plenty of submissions online currently, but this short, "T is for Trick," directed by Shade Rupe, recently attracted the attention of fantasy/horror author, screenwriter and director (and GLAAD award recipient) Clive Barker.

Rupe recently posted Clive's message in the comments under his video:

Hey there Shade,

That was an elegantly shot, sharply edited and strongly conceived and directed four minutes of film-making. Colour me impressed. You managed to imply a whole range of character options for us, from which entirely plausible narrative solutions spilled. Very fine, courageous work from you and your actors. I hit the heart to say I'd been there. I hope it helps and i will certainly make sure my guys do the same.

Bloody good work, my friend.

Take a look for yourself and see what you think. The build-up is a little slow, but the suspense works in the same way 1980's Cruising had us holding our breath. And if you don't get goosebumps at the end, you'd better check for a pulse.

If you like it, make sure to visit and vote!

Via Queerty.