From writer, director, and actor Joe Kowalski comes another fantastically creepy horror short centred on concert pianist, Tulini (Joe Kowalski).
Music has long been a source of myth and legend. Its mysterious powers to move us in many ways, to generate profound emotions ranging from joy to despair, is part of our long-standing fascination with rhythm and melody. Folklore tales like that of Robert Johnson, who supposedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar skills, suggest we have discovered a preternatural element to music. It is this strand of music lore that Joe Kowalski taps into in Perfida the Diabolical.
Tulini is a concert pianist specializing in the genre of supernatural music, but after collapsing on stage, Tulini is forced to take a break from performing. Eventually his manager, Bernie (Neil Graham), suggests he return to the stage but performing more relaxed music instead. Tulini obliges, immersing himself in the music and rediscovering his love for the piano.
But before long, strange events begin to occur. Things are amiss. Tulini tries to keep his mind on the music he has been set to learn for his next performance, but when a strange parchment of music appears he seems to be pulled more than ever towards the supernatural. Covered with strange symbols, the sheet music looks like something from beyond this realm. The music calls to Tulini, and he can only resist for so long. Is the music magic, cursed, devilish? Or all of the above? When Tulini finally does play the music, a green mist descends. After this, he begins to see a woman appearing (Mary Widow). The devil? Or some other evil temptress? By the time Tulini has realized the danger he is in, it’s too late. The effects of the music have taken over. He is haunted by nightmarish visions of blood. The music is a virus of evil, attaching itself to a host in order to spread chaos.
Cleverly edited with some inventive visual effects and impressive lighting, Perfida is another example of how Joe Kowalski makes the most of the independent film genre. His writing is excellently paced and the story, while simple, is very well executed. A truly excellent element of the film is the music. It is woven throughout the film, interacting with whatever is happening on screen with a level of harmony that only comes from paying attention to how all the elements of the film interconnect. Having directed the film and written the music, the attention to detail Kowalski maintains is impressive.
A spooky, supernatural short from a talented writer, director, and musician. Watch the trailer below!