Shortcut (2020)

The movie "Shortcut" (2020) is an Italian horror-adventure film directed by Alessio Liguori. Set mainly in the cramped space of a bus lost in the woods, the film brings the audience a sense of suspense, breathlessness and thrilling moments.

The story begins when a group of five high school students - Nolan, Bess, Reggie, Queenie and Karl - are taken on a tour by bus with driver Joseph. However, while traveling through a remote area, the bus is forced to take a shortcut due to an obstacle. This seemingly harmless decision is the starting point for an unexpected nightmare. When the bus suddenly stalls in the middle of a dark tunnel and the driver is killed by a strange creature, the group of students are forced to find a way to survive against an invisible threat.

The highlight of "Shortcut" is not the repetitive scares but the way it exploits psychological factors and the cooperation between young characters. Under the pressure of imminent death, each person must face their inner fears, and at the same time learn to trust and rely on each other to overcome challenges. The message of friendship, courage and survival instinct is clearly shown through each action and choice that the characters make.

In terms of images, the director skillfully created a dark and mysterious space, with a dominant dark tone that always makes viewers feel uneasy. The sound is delicately processed, contributing to enhancing the feeling of tension throughout the film. Although it is quite short (only about 80 minutes), "Shortcut" is still strong enough to build a reasonable film rhythm and not create a feeling of drag.

In short, "Shortcut" (2020) is a short but engaging horror film, bringing a thrilling experience to viewers with a simple but effective plot. Although not a blockbuster or possessing spectacular effects, the film still leaves an impression thanks to its tense atmosphere, humane message and the way it exploits fear in limited circumstances. This is a suitable choice for those who love the horror genre with a bit of adventure and youthful psychology.