Midlands Review of Number Three
midlandsmovies • June 15, 2020
Midlands Review of Number Three
Midlands Review of Number Three
Directed by Michael B Clifford
2020
New horror fantasy film Number Three from Michael B Clifford opens with an unassuming knock and a simple opening of a front door. However, these straightforward actions leads this short into much more murky territories than the beginning suggests.
Two Jehovah’s Witnesses, Carol and her new colleague Leanne, hit the streets to spread the word of their religion as they go door to door in an average suburban neighbourhood.
Descending upon ‘lucky’ house number 7 (created in 7 days perhaps?) the two women begin their attempts to show the inhabitant “the light” and are quickly welcomed inside. The dishevelled owner is kind enough, but the ramshackle front room harks to anything but charitable intentions.
A very troubling comment whilst Leanne is excused to the bathroom adds an even more menacing tone to the proceedings. Yet questions are raised as to everyone’s true intentions when Leanne is on her mobile phone still upstairs in the house.
A church organ and choir on the score keeps a religious air to the proceedings and the stark lighting choices create extreme dark shadows and silhouettes, which are both visually interesting and keeps us mostly in the dark as to where we are heading.
Confined to the house and its small rooms, the shot choices help the audience feel a sense of coffin-like claustrophobia when the drama turns suddenly to horror. Writer JJ Smith does well by setting up the beginning with predictable pieces, but the short turns our preconceptions on their head and is all the more entertaining because of it.
Not wanting to spoil the end, the change in narrative focus leaves plenty of blood and a smidgen of holy retribution. Is an evil trinity finally defeated? Well, we’d highly recommend giving Number Three a watch if you’re a fan of lurid horror.
From suburbia to slayer, the film delivers pleasing twists and turns in its 7-minute runtime. And whilst the resident says the truth path to salvation is through suffering, the only thing you’ll be suffering is chills up your spine in this nightmarish but satisfying visit to a true house of horrors.
Michael Sales
We bring even more local talent who, without forgetting where they've come from, have had very illustrious and recognised careers in the film industry
The Midlands is home to a huge pool of talent – both on and off-screen – and although many of these names are synonymous with the region, others, who definitely hail from the area, may be more of a surprise to hear about. These local creatives moved onwards in their careers, building upon their local upbringing and education in the arts and headed to larger projects and some even delved into the world of glitzy Hollywood. So, away from the legends such as Lenny Henry (Dudley), Julie Walters (Smethwick), John Hurt (Chesterfield) and director Shane Meadows (Uttoxeter, Staffs) we’re going to look at a few recognisable names who, sadly, don’t always make you think of our marvellous Midlands. Yet you definitely should do!
This slice of life film tells the story of a professor at Yale University, who learns from her star student, that her fellow professor and close friend has crossed the line. As she navigates these feelings, she struggles to keep her own dark past coming to light.
Only Monsters play God. The oldest science fiction story in the world, is a tale about an egotistical mad scientist trying to conquer death, by reanimating a monster made of various body parts. What will Victor Frankenstein do when he creates life? How will the world react to something so grotesque?