(Image: WAYNE PEACOCK)
Andrew White was at the world premiere of Dean Midas’s new horror short The Stitcher this week. Here is his verdict on the County Durham filmmaker’s latest creation.
One of the things that continues to impress me about Dean Midas’s films is how frequently they punch above their weight.
Made on virtually no budget and filmed largely on a mobile phone, his latest horror short The Stitcher is no exception.
It hits you from the start, with an in-your-face Silas Vane song, written by Midas himself, followed by a suitably gravelly voiceover setting the tone.
County Durham filmmaker Dean Midas at the world premiere of his latest horror short, The Stitcher (Image: WAYNE PEACOCK)
The incidental music from Sam Haynes is another strength, complementing the action without overwhelming it.
Midas again draws on local talent and gets the best from his cast.
They handle the action well and bring the story to life, and I would not be surprised to see some of the younger performers go on to bigger things.
Members of the local cast of The Stitcher at the film’s world premiere at the Reel Cinema in Bishop Auckland (Image: WAYNE PEACOCK)
At its heart is Silas Vane, aka The Stitcher, a villain firmly in the Midas tradition - mysterious and menacing in equal measure.
The question of who is behind him keeps you guessing until the end.
Then there is Durham itself.
Midas showcases the city superbly, from the cathedral to Durham Regatta.
The drone footage is particularly impressive, with Durham managing to look beautiful and suitably spooky at the same time.
For me, The Stitcher is up there with the best of the growing Midas canon.
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There is a clear progression in storytelling, production and performances.
It deserves to find as wide an audience as possible.
The Stitcher can be watched via Dean Midas Films on Facebook and YouTube.