Inkling

Directed by Wayne Kelly

2019

Spoon Jar Films & produced in association with KLens UK

New film Inkling comes from Leicester-based director Wayne Kelly of Spoon Jar films and tells the story of a date going well, then peculiar and then possibly far worse than that.

An interesting technical opening sees the camera following footsteps along the ground until we stop on a couple who head into an apartment stairwell.

Here we find out that an unnamed man (Joe Hughes) and Joanne (Rachel Nottingham) have come back from a date and although nervous she reluctantly invites him in for a drink.

A messy apartment and her (unsuccessful) draft novel manuscript somehow lead to an awkward kiss before he asks for more wine to keep the evening going. And as he heads to the bathroom, Rachel pours some drinks and puts on some music.

The man however looks increasingly disturbed as he rubs his chest, checks some of Rachel's medication and takes some deep breaths. Here the short takes a shocking turn as her guest’s personality changes, he returns to her front room and a frightening disturbance ensues.

Joanne uncovers a shocking sight, think “inkling”, on the body of Joe which may not be all it seems. He attempts to explain how he comes to have this personal body modification image and the significance it holds.

A very interesting and unique concept, Inkling is difficult to explain without spoilers but the short heads in a number of creepy and somewhat downbeat directions with each scene focusing on a dramatic incident to maintain the viewer’s attention into the next.

A hint of horror throughout, the fantastic ominous music from George Odom really helps sell the film’s creepy tone. An unusual and bizarre short at times, the two leads’ performances are also excellent and help keep up the narrative interest but the subject matter is dark to the point of blackness. Which may not resonate with every viewer with a focus heavily on "self" destruction.

Solid and unfussy direction keeps the puzzle pieces in place and a number of horrific discoveries are miles away from Inkling’s initial romantic start. With multiple layers and some metaphorical themes, Inkling jumps into very dark subject matter and will leave a more-than-permanent impression on its audience.

Michael Sales

Watch the film's trailer below: