One of the basic rules for surviving any sort of “end of the world” scenario is sticking to your group and steering clear of unfamiliar places and people. But what do you do if your survival squad is filled with bullies?
Directed by Taka Tsubota and written by Jasper Chen, the 2023 short film “Canary” follows aspiring author Alan (Barron Leung), who is trapped in a cabin with his cousin’s friends as the world outside has been taken over by spider-like monsters. Constantly mocked, abused, and assaulted by the men in his company, Alan has only two options: either do something about the bullies or venture into the dangerous outdoors. It’s quite the catch-22 situation for Alan, as any choice he makes will mostly likely leave him in a no-win situation.
The cinematography incorporates a lot of dimly lit shots, creating an oppressive horror-like atmosphere throughout the film’s 17-minute runtime. Parts of “Canary” are reminiscent of John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” movies, which share similar themes and build a steady sense of dread over the sinister creatures lurking outside. However, the tension in this short film is heightened as the protagonist lacks a safe space to hide, rest, or retreat to.
Andrew Hayden Kang plays Alan’s chief tormentor Nev, a muscular jock type of guy who revels in exploiting the weak. Barron Leung delivers an arresting performance as the tormented Alan, making viewers worry about his fate. What choices will he make? How will he navigate the end of the world? The creators astutely conclude the short film with an open-ended climax, allowing viewers to ponder the true outcome. “Canary” is worth a watch for fans of horror/post-apocalyptic fiction.