Synopsis:
Frank’s had enough. A spirit medium whose unique and grotesque method of channeling the dead is putting his own life at risk, he wants out. But others, in this world and the next, have plans of their own.
The Stomach is the third short from award-winning Director Ben Steiner. A unique supernatural noir, the film follows Simon Meacock who plays Frank, a tortured clairvoyant who possesses a unique way of channelling the dead. Growing weary of his world and the demands of his clients, Frank pleads with his brother Tom (played here by Ben Bishop) to stop. But when a cockney gangster learns of Franks ability he sees it as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with his murdered brother in order to find a lost piece of incriminating evidence.
In its fifteen-minute run time, Steiner tells a story which becomes one of cinema’s most bizarre experiences. Taking elements from any typical British crime thriller and combining horror elements that will excite any Cronenberg fan, The Stomach revolves around a simple yet utterly bonkers concept but it is grounded by some terrific performances from the cast and particularly Simon Meacock whose performance of vulnerability is entirely heartfelt.
As director Steiner has proven here that he has a real flair for crafting something special. He knows how to captivate his audience and how to gross them out employing some pretty disgusting effects. Overall, I was impressed with what The Stomach has to offer but I refuse to go any further into spoiler territory as this is a short that is most effective when you know very little about it.
Ben Steiner’s THE STOMACH is now available to watch on iTunes.
Words by: Jon Dickinson (@marvelguy)
