Shadow’s Crash
A man on the road is being haunted and pursued by the shadow people.
What’s the true essence of horror? Flashy special effects? Well, that can be fun. But at the end of a lethal day, it’s just icing on the creepy cake. After all, look at what Hitchhock managed with The Birds. And Psycho. And all those original Twilight Zones in black and white.
Ah – the original Twilight Zone (and let’s not forget Night Gallery!) Nidhi Shetty’s Shadow’s Crash is a short road trip in horror which would fit seamlessly in with such gems.
Taking place on a lonely road, Shadow’s Crash focuses on a battered pickup truck – with tired driver Frank at the wheel. Now, night driving can always be dangerous. But listening to a podcast on the radio, Frank’s doing his best to stay awake. Karmically fitting for his surroundings and the time, this broadcast’s instantly spooky. So much so you’d almost expect Rod Serling or Vincent Price to be the host:
PODCAST HOST (V.O.)
In tonight's story, let's take you
to the chilling world of shadows that
stretch through the cold, desolate places.
The fog seems to amplify their presence,
making these things bolder, more tangible.
Frank takes a look at the radio, a hint of unease crossing his face.
PODCAST HOST (V.O.)
And the worst part?
These shadows... they don’t just watch.
They follow you. And look for ways to
take you back with them.
He looks out his window. Sure enough – yup, there’s fog! Horrifically, the Stephen King kind?
At first, Frank’s wise enough to change the channel – but boredom eventually draws him back in. As for that podcast host? Whoever he (or IT) is, they’re just warming up!
PODCAST HOST (V.O.)
And then... you notice something.
A shape moving in the fog.
It’s tall, shrouded in dark,
too tall to be a person.
FRANK
(sighs)
Come on...
PODCAST HOST (V.O.)
But here’s the thing about shadow people.
They don’t want to be seen, not fully….
Which is the cue for Frank to see something – just out of the corner of his eye. Whip in a mysterious mechanical difficulty that stops his pickup with a jolt…
And Frank finds himself stranded. With the ever encroaching, ominous shadows closing in.
What are they? And is there any avenue which leads to Frank’s escape?
A small, moody and eminently creepy gem, Shadow’s Crash would be a horror gift to any director with a flair for cinematic suspense and implied visuals. Oh, and the perfect fear emoting actor to play Frank. Brew that together with this script, and Rod Serling himself would be proud!