Independent horror continues to prove that you don’t need a massive budget to deliver big scares.
Writer/director Brian K. Rosenthal’s short film POV is a fast-paced blend of slasher horror, home-invasion terror, and action-packed mayhem that wastes no time throwing viewers into the chaos. Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, the film delivers enough tension, bloodshed, and inventive camerawork to leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Set on Halloween night, POV takes place in a world where violent crime surges every October 31st. Citizens are urged to stay indoors as masked killers roam the streets, turning the holiday into a night of survival. Unfortunately for one couple, staying home doesn’t guarantee safety.
What begins as a tense home-invasion thriller quickly evolves into something much more ambitious. Rosenthal uses the film’s unique perspective to place viewers directly in the middle of the carnage, creating a relentless sense of momentum as the action unfolds. The result feels like a collision between The Purge, classic slasher films, and a first-person action thriller.
The standout here is the filmmaking. The camera work is slick, the fight choreography is surprisingly impressive for a short film, and the practical effects deliver several memorable moments of gore. Rather than relying solely on jump scares, POV builds its tension through movement, atmosphere, and the constant feeling that danger is lurking just around the next corner.
The cast, led by Katie Mackey and Chris Frank, helps ground the film’s larger-than-life premise with performances that keep the story engaging even when the body count begins to climb. Meanwhile, the film’s Halloween setting gives everything an extra layer of seasonal dread.
Perhaps most impressive is how much world-building Rosenthal packs into such a short runtime. Through news broadcasts and brief glimpses of the world outside, POV hints at a larger mythology without overexplaining its mysteries. It’s the kind of concept that leaves viewers wanting to spend more time in this universe.
If you’re a fan of indie horror, slasher films, or inventive short-form filmmaking, POV deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s a bloody, energetic reminder that some of the most exciting horror being made today is happening outside the studio system.
Watch POV below and let us know what you think.