Death in Charge (2008)

Death in Charge takes a more in depth look at the character of Death. What would happen if Death was put in an unfamiliar situation (and a funny one at that)? Well, Death in Charge looks at this question and deftly weaves a short flick around it that shows some strong imagination (and directing skills) on writer/director, Devi Snively’s part.

Rating:

The story goes that Mom, aka Sandy (Gillian Shure), is waiting for a baby sitter for her daughter, Whitney (Kylie Chalfa). The original baby sitter won’t be making it tonight (due to a meeting with Death) and the replacement just happens to be Death (Marina Benedict). Mom is completely oblivious to the new baby sitter and leaves Death alone with her daughter to spend the night out. Death, not accustomed to this kind of situation ends up getting to know Whitney and as the night progresses, the two become closer then expected. Death finds out how Whitney really feels about her mother, and Whitney finds out that sometimes it’s better not to say what’s on your mind, because it may not be what you meant in the end.

This is one of those flicks that plays as a morality tale, but does it in such a way as to be continuously doused in extremely dark comedy (ala the old Tales from the Crypt or Creepshow). While having death in your house is no laughing matter, the pings of humor are well done, and, even though it plays as campy, it works to the short’s strengths. Death’s unfamiliarity with modern life creates ample opportunity for gags and Snively does not disappoint.

The acting ranges from cheesy 80’s hack-n-slash teen level to decent, with both Marina Benedict and Kylie Chalfa exuding a truth in both of their roles. Benedict’s ability to turn a lighthearted scene into a darker warning is very well done (later on in the story). The mother, Gillian Shure, comes off as a complete tramp, and someone you wish nothing but pain upon, and she does it really, really well.

With a film about death, one would expect to experience some…well, death, and you would get it. The gore is adequate for a short film of this style (more about the story and characters) and the deaths are believable in the world presented.

Overall, Death in Charge is a fun flick and if you have 15 minutes to kill it’s highly recommended. A great short from Devi and I hope to see many more shorts of this caliber in the future.