This Queerly Not Straight column post is all about horror and all things spooky. Whether it be a terrifying and demonic-like spirit out to collect your soul or taking revenge against those who’ve wronged you, there are some really great LGBTQ+ horror short films to enrichen your Halloween. And it’s our hope that Hollywood listens up and gives us more horror films with queer talent and stories front and center. Maybe they can even start with the 5 horror short film writers and directors on this list!
Happy watching and Happy Halloween!
1. The Quiet Room
Written and directed by: Sam Wineman
Starring: Jamal Douglas, Alaska Thunderfuck, Katya Zamolodchikova
Synopsis: When Michael attempts suicide without leaving a note, he provokes a terrible demon that haunts the hospital he wakes up in. Can anyone purge this evil spirit or are the inpatients all doomed to be taken by it?
Why you should watch it: The Quiet Room is a blend of horror and the realities of mental health that doesn’t feel exploitative and just so happens to be queer AF. Also, drag queen royalties are in attendance and serving up looks. Come for Hopeless Hattie and stay for an important journey that comes with experiencing grief.
2. Griffica
Written and directed by: C.J. Arellano
Starring: James Dolbeare, Ulyses Espinoza
Synopsis: Robbie has met a seemingly perfect partner, embarking on a relationship and creating a home together. Gavin is handsome, fit, and mindful — the embodiment of the #highvibes lifestyle in many ways. He’s also sweet, a good listener, and a fantastic lover, and to top it all off, he brews a perfect cup of coffee, even taking the time to brew it from a rare bean. Gavin is perfect in almost every way.
But soon that perfection feels too good to be true, pushing Robbie to question the relationship and making him feel inadequate next to such a paragon of virtue. He begins to wonder if Gavin is even human. In fact, he begins wondering if his perfect mate is actually… a demon.
Why you should watch it: Griffica might be my favorite pick of this LGBTQ horror short film list because of it’s blend of humor. Seriously, with every minute that passes I was falling further into a rabbit hole until eventually, I went, “Maybe the boyfriend really is a demon and this guy is just doing what’s best for him!” 10/10 would love to watch again!
P.S. Coffee really shouldn’t be that erotic.
3. The Sermon
Written and directed by: Dean Puckett
Starring: Molly Casey, Denise Stephenson, Grant Gillespie
Synopsis: A church community holds itself aloof from the rest of the world, willfully isolated and inward in its outlook. Led by a stern preacher, this community is strict, puritanical and willfully circumscribed.
But Ella, the preacher’s daughter, has a secret. And when it comes out, its impact is explosive within such a small, quiet community, its reverberations unraveling the community in an unexpected way.
Why you should watch it: The Sermon is a short film that sees our fellow lesbian having her secret come to light to her very strict and God-fearing community. And while that might sound a little bit heavy…just you wait. That last show had me absolutely living and the manifestation of her deep anger at her homophobic community is extra spooky.
4. Hydrangea
Written and directed by: Kris Kurku and Jonas Schmidt
Starring: Loretta Müller, Yasmin Münter
Synopsis: At dinner, Janina finally manages to articulate her concerns about her girlfriends increasingly strange behavior – with devastating consequences.
Why you should watch it: Hydrangea is a German horror short film that messes with your head and makes you wonder what is real. It’s also a drama of what happens when you want to help someone move forward but the person isn’t ready yet. Definitely, a spooky watch that needs headphones and maybe a rewatch to catch the clues.
5. The Things We Do When We’re Alone
Written and directed by: Matthew Lynn
Starring: Corey Page, Anthony Nanni
Synopsis: With his wife and son gone for a weekend getaway, a closeted gay man copes with his demons of conversion therapy.
Why you should watch it: If you’re a horror movie fan then all you need is to know that this film gives major Creep vibes. Haven’t watched Creep yet? Oh, you will after watching The Things We Do When We’re Alone.
Queerly Not Straight posts every Saturday with opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community (and occasionally about the Latinx community since I am Latinx.)
