By Melissa Antoinette Garza
The Crann Doll is a twenty minute short written and directed by the very talented. J. Michael Whalen. The production starts with Aloisius (Nicholas Wagner) and Bedillia (Sarah Lomke) walking down the street with their sick infant. The two live a simple life and are the decedents of Hezekiah Crann. Not much is known about the Crann family other than they are looked down upon or feared by most of the outside world.
Allen (John C. Bailey) sees the couple and stops his car. Aloisius runs over and asks for him to take them to town. Allen asks if he has anything of value that he can trade. The only thing he has is a necklace with an amulet at the end of it. Allen becomes very sarcastic and even doubts that Bedillia is holding a child. He thinks that the two may have a gun in the blanket and that the scam is to rob him. He doesn’t stop there. He insinuates the two lovers are siblings and makes fun of the Crann lineage.
He speeds away but as he does he nearly hits Bedillia who drops the baby. He runs over the child. For a moment he gets out of his car, but without remorse or apology he jumps back in and quickly drives away. Unknown to him, a parking pass is dropped and Aloisius now knows where he lives.
Three months later, on Christmas Eve, Allen gets a gift from the couple. He opens it and it’s a doll with an amulet. He invites a hooker over and she brings drugs but when she sees the doll and finds out who it’s from, she quickly leaves fearful of what it may do.
This was a great story with great actors. There were several interesting camera angles including one that showed the doll’s perspective from inside the box. There were innovative techniques used to really capture the audience’s attention.
The only gripe I have is that it ended too soon. It leaves the audience wanting more. I certainly understand it’s a short, but I just wish there was more action with the Crann doll. I could actually see this as a successful full length picture.
The Crann family is definitely an interesting one and we as the viewer know very little about it. Showing their lifestyle and explaining their legacy would make for a great story. I would love to know how they obtain their powers and what they do to intruders. There’s a story within the film about a young boy who goes to the farm and never returns. This could merely be a rumor, but exploring what happens to them. I imagine the Twilight Zone episode where the young boy wishes everyone into the cornfield. I would love to see what actually occurs.
I also want to see what exactly the Crann Doll is capable of. I understand that the amulet gives power but I would love to explore that as well.
Overall it was a fast paced short that definitely delivered. The acting all around was fantastic. I look forward to seeing more from Mr. Whalen.
Scared Stiff Rating: 6/10
