Horror Short Review: Consumed (2023)

Directed by first time filmmaker, JP Bradham and starring Georgina Reilly (Pontypool, Quantum Leap), Consumed is a dark comedic horror short film. One that centres around consumerism but asks the question about who is really consuming who.

Call now! 1-800-Con-Sume. Not available in stores. Who in this life hasn’t seen an infomercial? Who hasn’t aimlessly scrolled through online stores needlessly buying items that you either don’t need or don’t really want? Who hasn’t marvelled at the special discounts being offered to you, and you alone?

Consumerism is something we can all relate to. For most, it’s nothing important and certainly not a problem, but for some, it’s an obsession. An obsession that can be heighten by other aspects of life, such as grief or unhappiness. Not only can it have an extremely negative effect on your own life, it can have extremely negative effects on those around you.

All of this might make Consumed sound like it’s a super-serious horror short, and it is, up to a point. However, writer and director JP Bradham has impeccable timing to turn the short in a more amusing and light-hearted watch. It’s this dark turn that sees the horror ramp up too.

A minimalist short with a small cast, the star of this film is Georgina Reilly, who says more with her facial expressions than words ever could. She is phenomenal as Tammy, a woman consumed by consuming. In a short amount of time, we learn so much about her. About what she is going through, and what effect her obsession is having on her relationship. It’s an extremely memorable performance, aided by the strong writing of JP Bradham.

That this is her first foray into filmmaking is simply staggering and after seeing this, everyone will be on edge to consume what she brings us next. Head over to Consumed’s website here to view a teaser for the short, and while you wait for the short to be released, check out our interview with JP Bradham and Georgina Reilly.

You can watch the interview via YouTube below or listen via Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Consumed Links

Website | Instagram