Name: Disco Inferno
Director: Matthew Castellanos
Released: 2023-10-21T13:38:49

Disco Inferno is an 18-minute horror short on Netflix. Set in the 1970s, it tells the story of a young couple, Mel and Brandon as they prepare to participate in a dance competition’s finals. Things get out of hand when the pair unexpectedly face an evil force, leading Mel to face dangerous visions from the past.

Story

Disco Inferno opens in 1955, where a nun, Sister Lynn, sits in a confession booth. She admits to murdering a mother to kidnap her child because her deep-seated desire to have a child was never fulfilled.

Eventually, she takes her own life in the church. When a priest discovers the scene, he finds her lifeless body hanging, with the baby left behind.

The narrative then shifts to 1973, where we meet a couple, Brandon and Mel, practicing for the final round of a dance competition. It’s unveiled that the church where Sister Lynn met her tragic end has been transformed into a disco named “Inferno,” which will launch that evening.

The seemingly normal evening starts to fall apart when Mel is revealed to be pregnant and goes into a trance. She hears Sister Lynn’s voice and hallucinates the old church as the nun’s ghost tries to harm her unborn child.

Performances

In Disco Inferno, Soni Bringas and Stephen Ruffin take on the roles of the leading pair, Mel and Brandon.

Although the limited runtime does not offer ample opportunities for either actor to truly showcase their acting prowess, Bringas delivers a commendable performance.

The narrative primarily revolves around her, allowing her to shine in her role.

On the other hand, Helene Udy’s portrayal of the terrifying nun stands out. In a mere 18 minutes, she solidifies herself as a genuinely frightening presence, excelling in her role and leaving a lasting impression.

Positives

Disco Inferno presents a compelling setting with the imaginative concept of a haunted church transformed into a disco, an undeniably intriguing premise.

Director Matthew Castellanos introduces a spine-chilling twist when Mel is unveiled as the kidnapped baby, adding layers of suspense to the story. This revelation not only heightens the tension but also adds significant stakes to Mel’s encounter with the spectral nun.

Furthermore, the palpable chemistry between the lead actors enhances the narrative. Complementing these strengths, the production values stand out — the lighting, music, camera work, and visual effects are well executed.

Negatives

Disco Inferno presents an intriguing premise, but the 18-minute duration feels inadequate to fully explore the richness of its narrative. Instead of offering a well-rounded story, the film seemingly stops short, leaving you longing for a more satisfying conclusion.

Its plot, brimming with potential, feels more suited for a full-length feature rather than being condensed into what feels like merely an opening act of a larger movie.

Additionally, the attempt to instill eeriness often comes across as forced, detracting from its potential horror impact. The jump scares, rather than adding to the suspense, are largely predictable and fall into the realm of clichés, further diminishing the film’s scare factor.

Verdict

Although nothing extraordinary, Disco Inferno offers an intriguing setting and promising narrative. However, its short duration hinders its potential.

While some production aspects shine, the story feels incomplete and lacks genuine horror. A longer feature might have better served its compelling concept.