Genre: Horror | Thriller | Supernatural
Director: Alessio Liguori
Starring: Jack Kane, Zak Sutcliffe, Sophie Jane Oliver, Zander Emlano, Molly Dew, Terence Anderson
In Shortcut, Italian director Alessio Liguori presents a lean, atmospheric horror-thriller that places a group of teens in a deadly game of survival against an ancient evil lurking in the shadows. While the film doesn’t necessarily reinvent the genre, it delivers a tightly packed, suspenseful ride with a strong focus on youthful courage and teamwork.
The story follows five British teenagers—Nolan, Bess, Reggie, Queenie, and Karl—who are on a school bus traveling through the countryside. When a blocked road forces the bus driver to take an unfamiliar shortcut through a forested, abandoned route, things begin to spiral into horror.
Soon, the group finds themselves stranded in a dark tunnel with a monstrous, night-dwelling creature stalking them. As the creature hunts them one by one, the teens must rely on their wits, instincts, and each other to survive the night—and find a way out before the darkness claims them all.
The young cast delivers commendable performances. Jack Kane (as Nolan) plays the reluctant leader convincingly, while Sophie Jane Oliver (as Bess) adds a layer of emotional sensitivity and determination. Zak Sutcliffe provides comic relief and tension as the unpredictable Karl. While no single character is deeply developed, the ensemble dynamic works effectively, capturing a believable teen camaraderie.
Director Alessio Liguori makes excellent use of limited locations—particularly the eerie tunnel system and the dark countryside. The claustrophobic setting, combined with clever lighting and minimal but effective creature design, gives the film a constant sense of dread. The tone leans toward classic creature-feature horror with modern pacing.
At just 80 minutes, Shortcut wastes no time. The film's brisk pace helps maintain tension, but occasionally leaves character arcs underexplored.
At its core, Shortcut is a story about facing fear, growing up, and confronting the unknown. The horror is rooted more in atmosphere than gore, making it feel like a throwback to 1980s-style teen horror adventure films, such as The Gate or The Monster Squad, albeit with a darker twist.
The mysterious creature, whose origins are only briefly hinted at, serves as a metaphor for hidden fears and personal growth under pressure. There's a message about bravery and unity—but it remains mostly surface-level.
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Tense and claustrophobic atmosphere
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Strong cinematography and production design for a low-budget film
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Effective use of creature horror without overexposure
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Fast-paced runtime that keeps the suspense tight
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Underdeveloped characters and backstories
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A fairly predictable plot without major surprises
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Minimal explanation of the creature’s origin or purpose
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Some dialogue feels clichéd and forced
Shortcut is a compact, effective teen horror flick that doesn’t overstay its welcome. While it doesn't break new ground in storytelling, it delivers tension, suspense, and a throwback charm that will appeal to fans of creature features and dark adventure tales. It’s a solid watch for horror enthusiasts looking for a short but chilling ride.
