"This Must Be The Place" was created by the enchanting Merlin Camozzi and his talented team. Be sure to check out his other short on ALTER, "Flesh and Blood" and follow him on Instagram to keep up with his creative endeavors: instagram.com/merlin_x_emrys/
@Merlin Camozzi Well this was definitely different take on Witch Craft. ( Being Taken into a coven almost in at Hostile way. I watched this 2x . Can you explain the Non Verbal and the Lipstick Gesture ( No offense like Mime Gestures to Produce Mind Control Magick????
The simple yet powerful phrase, "I want to do what you do." It holds so many layers of meaning. She wanted to have have their power but also wanted to feel what it was like to be mind controlled and do what the other person does.
DONT BEG IT THIS CHANNEL DOESNT KNOW U EXIST AND THAT WAS ALSO SUCH A BIG REACH SHE COULDA SAID ANYTHING THERE AND U WOULD BE ON YOUR KNEES PRAISING IT
@basfdsgdmksfg5911 dude, why are you making assumptions about people? If that is how that person interpreted it, all the power to them. Not sure why you felt the need to attack them when all they wanted to do was put a comment praising the video like the others.
@@basfdsgdmksfg5911chill out. It’s her interpretation. Just like with other forms of art or poetry, it’s all in the individual interpretation. Why you so mad lol
Would have liked it as much...just felt having being showered with the worst sides of our Mankind, but aren't they already all visible around ? Did they need an "horror" movie to be highlighted ? xd.
@Curtis Steele I don't have time to offer a detailed explanation, but I can tell you that the scenario borrows from the subject of influence and an area of psychology known as group dynamics. In a way, it doesn't matter that these girls form a group of witches. The challenges the group poses to the girl who wants to become a member are based on solid principles of psychology. For example, the harder it is for one to become a member, the stronger the rejection, the more one is forced to prove a desire to join, the stronger the commitment. This group is secretive, so they allow only those who are committed.
Wrong. Actually it isnt simple. I dont mean to sound like a narcissist but it takes a really high level of intelligence to get it quickly. My theory was confirmed with the film maker after I posted my original thoughts 8 months ago. I will repost my original findings since I think it got lost in the mix here. So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of its case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with their fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table practice scene? That's the motion they make when they share the chips they stole. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Men will do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and therefore makes it easier to control him. Because the clerk has a mustache!
Lmao, imagine. But I think it's just to portray some minor activities that they are capable of performing on others. Would be nice if they were to act out on a heist
It reminds me of an unethical Bene Gesserit sisterhood of Dune with the box test but set on modern day earth. The limited dialogue was effective and I was genuinely interested in their motives and goals. It leaves you wondering how far these witches will take their powers and how big they will grow. The mouth thing was unsettling as it made things feel off which I do think was the point. Effective short and give one up for the Ladies. Great work to all involved. Peace.
A lot of people are saying these girls are evil. I got the impression that they were basically homeless, squatting in that building, using their powers to do what they needed to survive.
Just my opinion but this seems very energy vampiric. The table scene 'drawing in the energy' feasting as a clan on said energy and can explain the strange mouth/hand gesture as drawing energy/using energy from the said person or when "eating/drawing in energy?" Maybe, I'm totally wrong but that's the vibe I got. Really enjoyed this tbh bravo!
I think it's simple to explain; she knew they are witches and she approached them in order to join their coven. They used their powers on her to test her and she had enough power to not be affected by that. Then she finally acquired their skills and used it at the store, creating a circle to the mini movie. I think the table scene is them eating, without real food on.
This is what I thought but the table scene, I thought that it looked like they were 'energy pulling' like energy vampires, that could also kinda explain the strange mouth gesture. Is they are "eating" but not in the literal sense as we do.
Maybe, at the table is not eating but learning the moves to hypnotize the victim… the “ritual” itself… they are simulating to take off the tape, raising the Arm to indicate cctv….
A powerful story. The box scene -- being able to experience all that pain without screaming seems like such a metaphor for initiation. And the table scene? Eerie and hypnotic.
@@MalkuthSephira yeah but i think it was a metaphor for those "man hood" rituals. where they have to experience that pain without making a sound in order to be considered a man.
Loved it ! No spoken dialogue was an excellent choice. Bravo to all the ladies for the great acting. Loved her tenacity trying to "belong" somewhere. Bravo to Merlin Camozzi for a job well done.
Loved it! My interpretation if anyone is interested is that the film talks about how modern society works. Making you fit into hurtful patterns for the fear of being left out (when they kick her out of the house after basically beating her up and she begs to come back in). I adored the ritual/dance scene, which for me was a way of describing how absurd social interaction can be. We are predetermined to mimic the pack and to attack and exploit those who doesn't
Ignacio Valero: You are very off and so wrong. You are looking to hard into this. Its very simple actually. So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
@Curtis Steele Ha, I'll answer! There are some good comments below that do a good job of getting at what we were thinking when we made the film, which was basically about social pressure, wanting to fit in, the cost of belonging to a group. And also, what people with power do with power, and how power can come from unexpected everyday things. Happy to answer any questions you might have :)
I was interestedby some of the subtextual implications here. -The protagonist can only communicate verbally BEFORE she joins the coven. -She engages them as they're entering their vehicle. This allows her to signal them nonverbally and without touching them, but she tells them what she wants with words. They use their powers on her, and take her along when she's able to resist. -Her test involves withstanding pain voluntarily and nonverbally, and she fails repeatedly. She only finds the will to persist when faced with rejection, and gets a last chance by asserting her will over the people rejecting her. -When she succeeds, her initiation is marked through the breaking of bread, but the food they eat is nonphysical. She no longer speaks, like the rest of them, so she can only figure out how they eat through observation. -This shows why they steal candy, and not nutritious food: They don't eat physical food for sustenance, only pleasure. What I'm trying to understand is the meaning of that specific recurring gesture, seen at practically every stage of the film. The one where the second finger is curled like a fishhook, and used to wipe downward along the lips. They do this when brainwashing another person, but the protagonist also uses this gesture when fighting to endure the pain of her test. Does anybody have any thoughts as to what this motion signifies?
@@mdiggity2000 I've also got to agree with Harper Prescott's comment. I'm not sure how long the MAGIC could've lasted, but I feel like, I could be mesmerized by these characters for hours. That leaves me to conclude you sir have written & directed a PERFECT short film. It left me totally ... ALTER'ed.
@@AR15andGOD Artists. Most movie company executives would never approve almost all female cast. That is a super cool TH-cam handle that you have, just saying.
I liked this....reminded me in a way of "The O.A." except in this case the movements are used for bad not for good (or for interdimensional travel)....the lack of spoken dialogue really added to the mystery and sense of unease.
I like it a lot. It was uncanny with the strange mouth gestures and losing their voice. Great acting, atmosphere and plot. They are basically a street gang using magic instead of guns.
Kudos for not explainings and, no, I am not being sarcastic. It can be good to just let a thing be what it is and let the audience make of it what they will.
That was a very unique take on witchcraft. It strongly reminded me of the new Suspiria in its tone, yet completely different. Definitely one of the top ones!
That was so weird. I know she wanted to learn how to do mind control, but the story itself was so strange. Not my type of movie, but to each their own. Thanks anyways for the upload. I've already watched tons of short horror films from Alter, and they have so many amazing and intriguing stories out there. Once in a while though, I find a few here and there that I just don't care for.
@@mdiggity2000 come to think of it, the box the Reverend Mother used on Paul didn't have a name, the gom jabar was the poison needle she had on her finger tip. The whole set up made me think of that scene in Dune nevertheless. Lol
LOVED THIS!! Now, I can't keep from wondering if a witch is the reason why I can't remember why I went to a specific room or place n forgotten why. 🤷🏻♀️😆 Because you know that clerk is going to be like, "WTF?" whenever he comes back from la la land! Lol. Great film! 😀 👍🏼
Aww man I’d love to join them ! In a heartbeat! In the past sacred movements, symbols, geometry, hand movements, dances were seen as the way to break the walls of reality/ supernatural realm, And access those strings that tie everything together. If one can learn to manipulate those strings they can control their life/will as well control others/things. Amazing film. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wow!!! This is more mesmerizing, surreal, engaging, thought provoking and generally entertaining than anything I've seen come out of Hollywood in, well, ever! Bra-fvcking-vo! I want more!!!
Oh this was fuckin BRILLIANT. I feel like the teen witch genre has been done a loooot but this managed to bring so many unique feeling elements. There was something so familiar yet sinister about their motions at the table, I’d love to learn more about this world.
For as short as the film was, I don’t feel that there was *quite* enough context. The main plot is definitely discernible, the main character was indoctrinated into some evil cult/coven, as they saw she had a natural resistance to the power, and they use their power for evil. The weird mouth-wiping thing might have been less confusing if there was some specific reason for the gesture, but all we get is that it was a means of manipulation and they chose this obscure movement for no real reason. That being said, it wasn’t terrible! Just rather inconspicuous for most of it.
Do you think it's because when we wipe our mouths (after eating), it symbolizes that we're physically full? As contrast to them not eating real meals? So they gesture the mouth wiping to hypotize others in order to get food/ money, trading that for their sorceries?
@@caesarsalad493 the hurting of the main character was part of their indoctrination ritual. They were testing her to see how strong and/or determined she was. Think of it as a fraternity/sorority hazing, or boot camp in an army -- they see how much pain you're willing and able to endure before teaching you the "good" stuff. As for the clerk....well, they did use their powers to control him, but presumably he'll be able to speak and act independently again once they're gone. Not saying they weren't cruel, just that they had purpose. I recommend looking up cult indoctrination. That should help you understand what was happening a little more.
There are a lot of things I wanna say 1. So this is how those girl-groups are made 2. I think I have a new crush 3. I have no idea what I just watched but damn I love it! 4. Good job as always
So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
This could be a full length film. I have always admired someone getting into a secret society and becoming one of the best practitioners of that power.
You need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
It's almost sad really. They have the power to control people's minds but they choose to use it to survive off of stolen junk food from local convenience stores.
Ooh, this one shot to the top of my short horror favorites. Observations: - Several of the ritual steps are motions for weaving/sewing. Symbolic gestures to enmesh Bonnie into the coven? - The mouth gesture seems to be for hypnosis & silencing. - Rewatch bonus: the VHS tape that girl on the couch is fiddling with is presumably just one of many, either from the same convenience store or another place they've robbed. - Speaking of which, I looked back at the scene where Bonnie robs the till and noticed that she doesn't seem to have taken much; a couple hundred dollars at most. Buddy, you're a WITCH now! You got mega-hazed just to rob a gas station? Though knowing how these places operate, there might not have been any more in the till.
If you thought this was wholesome at all then your whole moral system is just broken. Hopefully something horrific happens to you or your family and then you'll learn
This has so many open threads (pun intended). The logline is low-end urban witches. So there's an hierarchy of witches? This wasn't a full coven. Bonnie is the new kid on the block, how do their "magic" work without spells, incantations, or arcane objects? Are hedge witches, sorceress, (Wanda Maximoff, Zatanna) type in this world? Since they are using their abilities to manipulate and steal, then what is thier end goal - if there is one. The empty box and table scene were fantastic. Strange - as real magic would be in real life, but fascinating. Well done to the acters and writer!
You are wrong man. So far off and wrong. So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
It's so allegorical. I loved it. What ppl are willing to do in order to "have others as their puppets" since the beginning of times. I just think it shouldn't be only witches. What about some warlocks, instead? 🤔
@@billyandrew Nothing, and no; that's why I phrased my reply like I did. The video struck me as one of those 'This is what people seem to think we do' videos.
No it takes an intelligent person to understand it. So here you go...a little help: So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
Thank you! We made this film with no resources whatsoever (seriously, borrowed every single piece of equipment to make it) and it’s amazing to see it finding an audience 🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@mdiggity2000 I have a question, so what is the point of the film for her to try and have hypnotizing powers or something , but what was the whole point of the torch in the box is that help you are supposed to get excepte why did it hurt every time? Why they want to kick her out?
![PASULOL รามเกียรติ์ ตอนที่ 4 นนทกพบรัก [Ramakien Ep.4: Nonthok in love]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tMUQgmZzf_A/mqdefault.jpg)
"This Must Be The Place" was created by the enchanting Merlin Camozzi and his talented team. Be sure to check out his other short on ALTER, "Flesh and Blood" and follow him on Instagram to keep up with his creative endeavors: instagram.com/merlin_x_emrys/
? I'm lost...
i loved it. now can i get a tv show or a movie out of this and ill be happy
@Merlin Camozzi Well this was definitely different take on Witch Craft. ( Being Taken into a coven almost in at Hostile way. I watched this 2x . Can you explain the Non Verbal and the Lipstick Gesture ( No offense like Mime Gestures to Produce Mind Control Magick????
Confused 😖
FANTASTIC
And so, with this amazing power, she became everything she ever wished for. A psychic shoplifter.
Gem of a comment!
😂😂
Beautiful!!!!
Yes, robbing 7-Eleven's for petty cash, instead of using that newfound power to rob banks?
And so, with all your uplifting pretence, you chose to be a "Debbie Downer"
The simple yet powerful phrase, "I want to do what you do." It holds so many layers of meaning. She wanted to have have their power but also wanted to feel what it was like to be mind controlled and do what the other person does.
DONT BEG IT THIS CHANNEL DOESNT KNOW U EXIST AND THAT WAS ALSO SUCH A BIG REACH SHE COULDA SAID ANYTHING THERE AND U WOULD BE ON YOUR KNEES PRAISING IT
@basfdsgdmksfg5911 dude, why are you making assumptions about people? If that is how that person interpreted it, all the power to them. Not sure why you felt the need to attack them when all they wanted to do was put a comment praising the video like the others.
@@basfdsgdmksfg5911chill out. It’s her interpretation. Just like with other forms of art or poetry, it’s all in the individual interpretation. Why you so mad lol
I love the concept of their sacrifice (their voices) for power.
I'm glad you got that!
Would have liked it as much...just felt having being showered with the worst sides of our Mankind, but aren't they already all visible around ? Did they need an "horror" movie to be highlighted ? xd.
Or maybe they chose not to speak
what sacrifice?
@@herheartbeats5727huh???
I love this. The acting is brilliant. No need for a lot of dialogue, just raw performance, facial gestures, body language.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
@Curtis Steele I don't have time to offer a detailed explanation, but I can tell you that the scenario borrows from the subject of influence and an area of psychology known as group dynamics. In a way, it doesn't matter that these girls form a group of witches. The challenges the group poses to the girl who wants to become a member are based on solid principles of psychology. For example, the harder it is for one to become a member, the stronger the rejection, the more one is forced to prove a desire to join, the stronger the commitment. This group is secretive, so they allow only those who are committed.
@Curtis Steele If you don't know how much you don't know, my response above probably looks like a lot of detail.
Absolutely loved it! The ritual at the table, her desperation to get into the team to have a life, the mind control, amazing.
Thank you so much!! 🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔
Wrong. Actually it isnt simple. I dont mean to sound like a narcissist but it takes a really high level of intelligence to get it quickly. My theory was confirmed with the film maker after I posted my original thoughts 8 months ago. I will repost my original findings since I think it got lost in the mix here.
So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of its case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with their fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table practice scene? That's the motion they make when they share the chips they stole. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Men will do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and therefore makes it easier to control him. Because the clerk has a mustache!
@@DBchi-town thank you so much! You made it all so much clear!
@@DBchi-townhow pretentious of you.
All this just to steal some bucks and junk food at a gas station?
Lmao, imagine. But I think it's just to portray some minor activities that they are capable of performing on others. Would be nice if they were to act out on a heist
@@rubyhime9614
That would require extending it beyond the short story category.
They are women.
Right. Lls
HahH
It reminds me of an unethical Bene Gesserit sisterhood of Dune with the box test but set on modern day earth.
The limited dialogue was effective and I was genuinely interested in their motives and goals.
It leaves you wondering how far these witches will take their powers and how big they will grow.
The mouth thing was unsettling as it made things feel off which I do think was the point.
Effective short and give one up for the Ladies.
Great work to all involved. Peace.
Was thinking the same thing
Thanks so much! BGs were an inspiration for sure. Love all your comments.
Was going to say exactly that. Very similar to test given to Paul.
thats 100% where they got the idea for that part
Couldn't have said it any better!
A lot of people are saying these girls are evil. I got the impression that they were basically homeless, squatting in that building, using their powers to do what they needed to survive.
You're not alone, I felt the same vibe. "Evil" usually has higher plans other than robbing a store for things they need
Yep!
To survive u need to work .U do not need to rob store and put cashier's job at risk..
@@nitinsharma-hg2kz Good thing this is fiction.
@@phoeniciaamaretto4729 too bad its not lol
“Wanna rob Cartier?”
“Nah, just Circle K”
😂
Just my opinion but this seems very energy vampiric. The table scene 'drawing in the energy' feasting as a clan on said energy and can explain the strange mouth/hand gesture as drawing energy/using energy from the said person or when "eating/drawing in energy?" Maybe, I'm totally wrong but that's the vibe I got. Really enjoyed this tbh bravo!
Love your take on this! That was definitely in the mix as we were making this :)
I was thinking they were witches.
Witches.
@@mdiggity2000 this was f****** brilliant pleasure to watch
@@dylansager6854 Thank you!!!
I think it's simple to explain; she knew they are witches and she approached them in order to join their coven. They used their powers on her to test her and she had enough power to not be affected by that. Then she finally acquired their skills and used it at the store, creating a circle to the mini movie. I think the table scene is them eating, without real food on.
Brillant.
This is what I thought but the table scene, I thought that it looked like they were 'energy pulling' like energy vampires, that could also kinda explain the strange mouth gesture. Is they are "eating" but not in the literal sense as we do.
Also I noticed joining the coven came with a price; her voice.
Wait, can they eat non-real food but can't eat non-real chewing gums? :D
Maybe, at the table is not eating but learning the moves to hypnotize the victim… the “ritual” itself… they are simulating to take off the tape, raising the Arm to indicate cctv….
A powerful story. The box scene -- being able to experience all that pain without screaming seems like such a metaphor for initiation. And the table scene? Eerie and hypnotic.
The box scene looked like a predecessor of the gom jabbar from Dune. Are these witches early Bene Gesseret witches?
it wasn't a metaphor for initiation, it... was just... literally an initiation
@@MalkuthSephira yeah but i think it was a metaphor for those "man hood" rituals. where they have to experience that pain without making a sound in order to be considered a man.
Mmmmmmm? The mind controll sisterhood of thieves....loved the ritual at the table,would love to know more about that..
Need some help, honey?
Me too
@@anamota_art4364 Hi ,loved the sense of age old witchery,it was good to watch,felt good too,pretty powerful,
Trippers
Loved it ! No spoken dialogue was an excellent choice. Bravo to all the ladies for the great acting. Loved her tenacity trying to "belong" somewhere. Bravo to Merlin Camozzi for a job well done.
Thank you, Julie! This film was a real passion project for everyone involved and I’m so glad you liked it!!
if you liked this you might like the film "VHS" and in particular the short "I like you" very little dialogue in that one too.
@@johnturtle6649 I was literally JUST trying to remember that short a few minutes ago!
@@daniellew.9957 I'm glad I could help you remember. That one story was really creepy, they made a part two that wasn't nearly as good in my opinion.
@@johnturtle6649 definitely agree! thanks for the reminder :)
I honestly thought this was kind of weird but I am glad others enjoyed it more. Not my favorite but I give you guys a A for effort😊
Haha, we'll take it! :)
A For Alter
It really was interesting.. “weird” isn’t bad. I guess that’s what makes certain people too boring to enjoy weird.
Loved it! My interpretation if anyone is interested is that the film talks about how modern society works. Making you fit into hurtful patterns for the fear of being left out (when they kick her out of the house after basically beating her up and she begs to come back in). I adored the ritual/dance scene, which for me was a way of describing how absurd social interaction can be. We are predetermined to mimic the pack and to attack and exploit those who doesn't
I think that's a good interpretation.
This is a pretty solid interpretation.
Yes, totally. And the gestures are all mundane social movements (related to eating etc.) that are repeated and elevated to the point of abstraction.
Ignacio Valero: You are very off and so wrong. You are looking to hard into this. Its very simple actually. So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
@@DBchi-town That's interesting
I loved this! So creepy and mysterious with no blood. The acting was great. I wish there were more episodes like this one.
Thank you!!
@Curtis Steele Ha, I'll answer! There are some good comments below that do a good job of getting at what we were thinking when we made the film, which was basically about social pressure, wanting to fit in, the cost of belonging to a group. And also, what people with power do with power, and how power can come from unexpected everyday things. Happy to answer any questions you might have :)
@@mdiggity2000please make a full length film of this ❤️
All that just to rob a store ? BRILLIANT! Absolutely love alter !! 😁
Hahaha... yessssss! ♥
@@mdiggity2000 😂🤘🏻👊🏻
@@Mr.clintontoney 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Nah, that was just the first test. You don’t go through that kind of pain for petty cash
@@Life_of_Ty 🥴😵💫
I really enjoyed this one. I almost missed the one girl pulling the tape from a video cassette of their last hit.
Video tape is my favorite part haha.
Great performances from the lead actor and the actor playing the leader. Made this short very special. Congratulations
They are both SO talented.
I'm so glad they did all these women in horror shorts. It really has made things so much more compelling with all-female casts or directors/writers.
🙌🏻🙌🏻
am adam
They want Women to be like most Men, which can be hard, heartless, emotionless, and violent.
How...? It wouldn't change a single thing at all.... besides, there were a couple of guys in this video.
I was interestedby some of the subtextual implications here.
-The protagonist can only communicate verbally BEFORE she joins the coven.
-She engages them as they're entering their vehicle. This allows her to signal them nonverbally and without touching them, but she tells them what she wants with words. They use their powers on her, and take her along when she's able to resist.
-Her test involves withstanding pain voluntarily and nonverbally, and she fails repeatedly. She only finds the will to persist when faced with rejection, and gets a last chance by asserting her will over the people rejecting her.
-When she succeeds, her initiation is marked through the breaking of bread, but the food they eat is nonphysical. She no longer speaks, like the rest of them, so she can only figure out how they eat through observation.
-This shows why they steal candy, and not nutritious food: They don't eat physical food for sustenance, only pleasure.
What I'm trying to understand is the meaning of that specific recurring gesture, seen at practically every stage of the film. The one where the second finger is curled like a fishhook, and used to wipe downward along the lips. They do this when brainwashing another person, but the protagonist also uses this gesture when fighting to endure the pain of her test. Does anybody have any thoughts as to what this motion signifies?
The witch ones are the best! 💜
Heck yes! Thank you! ♥
@@mdiggity2000 Oh wow hi! You did an amazing job! Can't wait to see more of your work. (:
This was so weird, but I kinda loved it. And the movements with the box were all so fluid and precise! Well done to the actors!
The table scene was outstanding. Hypnotic. The entire film was excellent.👍 From Australia
Thank you!! ❤️
Not a clue what I just watched but I know I loved it!
Hahah that is perhaps the perfect response, thank you! 🖤
@@mdiggity2000 I've also got to agree with Harper Prescott's comment. I'm not sure how long the MAGIC could've lasted, but I feel like, I could be mesmerized by these characters for hours. That leaves me to conclude you sir have written & directed a PERFECT short film. It left me totally ... ALTER'ed.
You feel it more than you understand it
An almost all female cast and not one word was spoken, absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed this. Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you!!
Actually, there was one line of dialog at the beginning.
6 words spoken
who cares about the female cast at all weirdo
@@AR15andGOD Artists. Most movie company executives would never approve almost all female cast. That is a super cool TH-cam handle that you have, just saying.
Many people didn’t like this one, I loved it because it was different and not some drawn up jumpscare cliché
Jeezus what a performance by all. Especially Laura Richardson as the leader. Kudos to all, loved it and thank you x
I liked this....reminded me in a way of "The O.A." except in this case the movements are used for bad not for good (or for interdimensional travel)....the lack of spoken dialogue really added to the mystery and sense of unease.
I like it a lot. It was uncanny with the strange mouth gestures and losing their voice. Great acting, atmosphere and plot.
They are basically a street gang using magic instead of guns.
Literally, same. Every time I meet up with my girls at the gas station something is about to go down. Don't even have to say a word, we just know.
Combining cult sororities with magic. Loved it. Thanks, Alter.
I must say that I was bewitched by this short film.
Thank you!! 🖤🖤
@@mdiggity2000 🖤
The box was definitely inspired by the box in Dune that he has to endure. Cool short though!
it was!
Kudos for not explainings and, no, I am not being sarcastic. It can be good to just let a thing be what it is and let the audience make of it what they will.
That was freaking AMAZING!!!!!
Wow, thank you so much!!
That was a very unique take on witchcraft. It strongly reminded me of the new Suspiria in its tone, yet completely different. Definitely one of the top ones!
That was so weird. I know she wanted to learn how to do mind control, but the story itself was so strange. Not my type of movie, but to each their own. Thanks anyways for the upload. I've already watched tons of short horror films from Alter, and they have so many amazing and intriguing stories out there. Once in a while though, I find a few here and there that I just don't care for.
It was stupid shit. Time wasted.
@@tomwitherby4348 Ya I didn't care for it at all either lol. About 95% of their short films I've had good luck with so I'm not complaining.
HOLY SHIT! That box is like a Gom Jabar!
yes!
@@mdiggity2000 come to think of it, the box the Reverend Mother used on Paul didn't have a name, the gom jabar was the poison needle she had on her finger tip. The whole set up made me think of that scene in Dune nevertheless. Lol
@@labellasunshineah, that’s right! But yes, same idea.
John: she's doing a Jedi physical trick.
And this is how the Bene Gesserit begin... LOL. Great Short
Ha, might be! love that.
Holy God, this Laura Louise Richardson is INCREDIBLY gorgeous.
LOVED THIS!! Now, I can't keep from wondering if a witch is the reason why I can't remember why I went to a specific room or place n forgotten why. 🤷🏻♀️😆 Because you know that clerk is going to be like, "WTF?" whenever he comes back from la la land! Lol. Great film! 😀 👍🏼
Aww man I’d love to join them ! In a heartbeat!
In the past sacred movements, symbols, geometry, hand movements, dances were seen as the way to break the walls of reality/ supernatural realm, And access those strings that tie everything together. If one can learn to manipulate those strings they can control their life/will as well control others/things.
Amazing film. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Do they communicate telepathically, would work with the mind control theme.. loved it!
This is some like freaky surreal psychedelic horror and I love it
I’ve seen this before! Not through alter surprisingly. But I was looking up shorts with witches and this one came up. Very. Good . Bravo 🎉
Thank you!! ❤️❤️
What??😞Weird.Whoa!!What does the empty open box have to do with training??I love this short.🙂
Some enthusiastic comments. Is there anyone who didn't like it?
I was underwhelmed
F’ing sucked
It wasn't for me but I can appreciate effort and talent put I to it.
Really really cool. Not a typical horror theme and thought it was great.
I feel really bad for that poor store owner. :
*I LOVE SILENT VIDEOS LIKE THESE*
Wow!!! This is more mesmerizing, surreal, engaging, thought provoking and generally entertaining than anything I've seen come out of Hollywood in, well, ever! Bra-fvcking-vo! I want more!!!
Thanks so much! ❤️ Hoping we can turn it into a feature at some point here...
Aww, she became part of the family! What a lovely Coven.
Oh this was fuckin BRILLIANT. I feel like the teen witch genre has been done a loooot but this managed to bring so many unique feeling elements.
There was something so familiar yet sinister about their motions at the table, I’d love to learn more about this world.
Thank you, that's so wonderful to hear!
You guys just keep getting better and better with the clips I like the queen bee she's really cute......
For as short as the film was, I don’t feel that there was *quite* enough context. The main plot is definitely discernible, the main character was indoctrinated into some evil cult/coven, as they saw she had a natural resistance to the power, and they use their power for evil. The weird mouth-wiping thing might have been less confusing if there was some specific reason for the gesture, but all we get is that it was a means of manipulation and they chose this obscure movement for no real reason. That being said, it wasn’t terrible! Just rather inconspicuous for most of it.
Do you think it's because when we wipe our mouths (after eating), it symbolizes that we're physically full? As contrast to them not eating real meals? So they gesture the mouth wiping to hypotize others in order to get food/ money, trading that for their sorceries?
Evil?
Yeah, right. 🤪😂😂😂
@@billyandrew tf does this comment even mean? Do you have something of value to contribute?
@@billyandrew and yeah, evil. They literally used their powers to rob a store and hurt the main character for basically the entire film.
@@caesarsalad493 the hurting of the main character was part of their indoctrination ritual. They were testing her to see how strong and/or determined she was. Think of it as a fraternity/sorority hazing, or boot camp in an army -- they see how much pain you're willing and able to endure before teaching you the "good" stuff. As for the clerk....well, they did use their powers to control him, but presumably he'll be able to speak and act independently again once they're gone. Not saying they weren't cruel, just that they had purpose. I recommend looking up cult indoctrination. That should help you understand what was happening a little more.
Sacrificing to fit in. We all do it. The job we endure, the clothes we wear, the ideals we publicly embrace...
I wanna be one! I feel like these kind where there is less horror but more story line are better
This needs a full length movie
There are a lot of things I wanna say
1. So this is how those girl-groups are made
2. I think I have a new crush
3. I have no idea what I just watched but damn I love it!
4. Good job as always
So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
@@DBchi-town Thanks you for the explanation😊
This could be a full length film. I have always admired someone getting into a secret society and becoming one of the best practitioners of that power.
That was exceptional!! Excellent story --- thank you!!
You need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
@@DBchi-town
👏👏👏👍
Planning the blag.
@@DBchi-town Wow, DB, love that you caught all these details! You are a genius of observation, seriously.
Thanks so much for checking it out and taking the time to leave such a great comment!
This has me screaming “WTF” so many times 😂 it is giving indie 2010s elevated horror, but overall it was very unique and entertaining
I went to a party at that sorority in college. I think we had a good time; I just don't remember. Never found my car after that though, weird.
This is amazing!! Even though I have no clue what it's about I still love the acting!
It's almost sad really. They have the power to control people's minds but they choose to use it to survive off of stolen junk food from local convenience stores.
Ooh, this one shot to the top of my short horror favorites. Observations:
- Several of the ritual steps are motions for weaving/sewing. Symbolic gestures to enmesh Bonnie into the coven?
- The mouth gesture seems to be for hypnosis & silencing.
- Rewatch bonus: the VHS tape that girl on the couch is fiddling with is presumably just one of many, either from the same convenience store or another place they've robbed.
- Speaking of which, I looked back at the scene where Bonnie robs the till and noticed that she doesn't seem to have taken much; a couple hundred dollars at most. Buddy, you're a WITCH now! You got mega-hazed just to rob a gas station? Though knowing how these places operate, there might not have been any more in the till.
Not about the material things it's about the sisterhood. We all crave connection.
Nice message.
7 words in the film...absolute materpiece... the acting! WOW!!!!! This was amazing guys!
thank you!!
I must say I liked this short film
Thank you!!
That was... surprisingly wholesome.
If you thought this was wholesome at all then your whole moral system is just broken. Hopefully something horrific happens to you or your family and then you'll learn
@@AR15andGOD Oh no, that wasn't genuine. Pretty fucked up for you to wish a tragedy on me or my family, though. That's a broken moral.
This has so many open threads (pun intended). The logline is low-end urban witches. So there's an hierarchy of witches? This wasn't a full coven. Bonnie is the new kid on the block, how do their "magic" work without spells, incantations, or arcane objects? Are hedge witches, sorceress, (Wanda Maximoff, Zatanna) type in this world? Since they are using their abilities to manipulate and steal, then what is thier end goal - if there is one. The empty box and table scene were fantastic. Strange - as real magic would be in real life, but fascinating. Well done to the acters and writer!
You are wrong man. So far off and wrong. So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
@@DBchi-town you got it dead on...perfect!!
I tried doing that with one gas station employee and he gave me the "wtf" look on his face 😂
Witchcraft at it's finest. Great Job.
Thank you!! 🖤🖤
A better example of the necessity of off-site storage of security footage I have never seen.
always good stuff😮
Certified Platinum!!!!!
Blessed Be! ⭐
Be Blessed.
Coolest coven of witches I've ever witnessed
hell yeah! thank you!
@@mdiggity2000 Seriously though, this film is my love language, f**ing excellent job ❤
AMAZINGLY SCARY 🥹🫶
Y
Iy
O
This one wasn’t for me but I am glad it was for others. I did not “get” a lot of the things it seems others are
what kind of acid trip are these girls taking? LOL
It's so allegorical. I loved it. What ppl are willing to do in order to "have others as their puppets" since the beginning of times. I just think it shouldn't be only witches. What about some warlocks, instead? 🤔
Is this a horror short or a satirical take on how some people imagine lesbians spend their free time?
What does their sexual inclination have to do with anything?
Do _you_ imagine lesbians practice the Craft?
@@billyandrew Nothing, and no; that's why I phrased my reply like I did. The video struck me as one of those 'This is what people seem to think we do' videos.
No it takes an intelligent person to understand it. So here you go...a little help: So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
@@DBchi-town Thanks! That's my fault for watching it the first time with my eyes closed.
High five to whoever made this short film
So you need to go back and watch the movie several times and watch each of their movements right as they are sitting at the table. Remember the girl with the video tape in the living room? During the testing phase? She was pulling all the tape out to destroy it. That motion....remember it. The pulling of the tape out of the case. So, they sit at the table and start to teach her their ritual. But because they are low end witches...their only ritual and magic is the movements of robbing the store and getting the guy to obey and get the tape. So each movement they do at the table is a movement they do from the time they enter the store to the time they leave the parking the lot. The final movements are the eating of the licorice and the dipping in the bag for chips with the fingers. Remember the finger dip motion they make at the end of the table scene? Thats the chips sharing. Go watch it all frame by frame. The wiping of the mouth thing...is a motion men make sometimes when they have a mustache. Do they do it to both sides. So its a motion the clerk will be comfortable with and easier to control him. He has a mustache.
Love this analysis! And I noticed the tape pulling motion as well.
White Trash Oceans 11? :D
Loved this. If they could do it for small gas station imagine a bank or department store.
That was fuckin awesome
Thank you! We made this film with no resources whatsoever (seriously, borrowed every single piece of equipment to make it) and it’s amazing to see it finding an audience 🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@mdiggity2000 I have a question, so what is the point of the film for her to try and have hypnotizing powers or something , but what was the whole point of the torch in the box is that help you are supposed to get excepte why did it hurt every time? Why they want to kick her out?
That part when they stuck her hand in the box made me think it was the gom jabbar
ALTER...😎
That slap at 3:30 was a keeper
I didn't really get it
She wanted to join the coven and underwent an initiation.
Well that was very, very good. 😮
i like it
❤️❤️
If she wants to join the Bene Gesserit, she must pass the reverend mother’s test.
Love it..
usually, for me, unpoken ones tend to hit harder, but this I expected it to be deeper