Horror Short Film "Return to Sender" | ALTER | Starring Allison Tolman | Online Premiere
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
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From producer Jamie Lee Curtis comes a story about a woman involved in a delivery scam that grows increasingly strange.
"Return to Sender" by Russell Goldman
Starring Allison Tolman (Fargo, Why Women Kill)
MovieMaker Magazine profile featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and Russell: www.moviemaker...
#ALTER #horror #shortfilm
Connect with the Filmmaker:
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www.russellgol...
More About "Return to Sender":
Julia wants to start over. She's out of rehab and in a new home, no longer living with her loving but overbearing sister Tat. So long as she logs into her remote recovery meetings, Julia can design a home and life that is finally her own. Ordering home decor from the e-commerce company Smirk, a corkscrew appears in one of her packages. The sight shakes her, but it’s just a misplaced order. She can toss it away. Over time, more false items get slipped into her deliveries. Julia starts to fixate on them. They trigger insipid memories. Customer service reps can't explain what's happening to her. Her sister proves to her it's just a scam. Yet Julia knows a scam can't be the full answer... and the items she's receiving are growing more dangerous. She starts preparing to defend herself at all costs.
"Return to Sender" Credits:
Written and Directed by: Russell Goldman
Produced by: Jamie Lee Curtis
Produced by: Jake Katofsky
Starring: Allison Tolman, Emma Pasarow
Voices by: Robert Lewis Stephenson, Edward Torres, Henita Telo
Casting by: Jamie Ember
Director of Photography: Matt Kleppner
Production Design: Lisa J. Dooley
Graphic Design: Adi Slepack
Costume Design: Maria Laura Sandoval
Hair & Makeup Design: Emma Croft
Assistant Director: Jessica Dho
Editor: Marco Rosas
Sound Design: Nate Flaks
Re-recording Mixer: Ryan D. Young
Composer: Josh Davidoff
Additional Music: Eric Poretsky
Associate Producer: Eli Sands
Colorist: Jared Pecht
About ALTER:
ALTER is an ever-expanding platform for the most daring storytellers in the world of horror. We are a home, community and launching pad for our filmmakers. Slip into the dark, disturbing corners of cutting-edge horror.
Filmmakers should visit filmfreeway.co... to submit your horror shorts. (Only completed horror shorts will be considered. Unsolicited scripts or pitches will be immediately deleted without review.)
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Video Title
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Hey everyone! My name's Russell, I wrote and directed this little movie about the things we can't explain that end up worming their way into our brains. Allison and the whole production & post teams crushed it! So excited to read all your comments, questions, theories, and delivery scams of your own :)
Love concept, rythm and performance, too! Great ❣️ Hope You 'll share soon other shorts of Yours ✨
This was amazing 🤩
It was very Black Mirror-esque. I have a few theories. Putting all of her information through the phone and Internet ordering items and the AA group. The people on the Zoom knew her face and name and struggles and was using this to make her think she’s crazy. Sending the security cameras to watch and toy with her. Just a theory first time watching.
@@MMAGamblingTips As a ACOA and having sat in similar meetings her introductory participation in the AA meeting came off as too little on details of her personal life. I get the film maker has little time to convey a message and takes shortcuts. So I think your point on the meeting possibly being a scam, I think with the reveal at the end it clearly was, is correct. I also thought to myself, having visited Costa Rica none of the houses I was in had wallpaper like she had-and I get that she was world building her part of the universe.
I enjoyed the creep factor of your words being posted second after mentioning them.
@@bensweiss agree on all this 👍🏼
The nonchalant way customer service said “You’re not” had me crying. It can be that way at times especially if they are having a bad day.
Exactlyyy...
It’s the way they end the conversation abruptly by saying is there anything else I can help you with ? It irritates me to no end
After dealing with rude customers, you’d act the same too.
@@jazmynbrown6820 totally understand I deal with it on a daily basis😂
It was really sinister in context. I definitely approached that line from the other end, though. I was envious that a single "you're not" was enough to end the conversation. I usually just repeat it to people until they decide to walk away from me. P:
Idk one of the last things I would do is creepily break into my sisters house when she already has been paranoid and worried 💀
Hope this isn't weird but love your makeup!
Why was Tat banging on the door like that and not announcing herself? Haha
I don’t believe she was
UPDATE: After reading the comments we've added closed captioning so you can watch the film with subtitles! Thank you everyone for watching and loving our movie: I've SO enjoyed reading everyone's wonderful takes..
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
You had such a good premise but the end was so predictable, I hope you work on this again with a less obvious ending.
KIND!!
Heyvmr Russell!! This flick is gold!! So happy to have enjoyed under the blanketvon a windy, cold night....🌃
Amazing thank you! I have schizophrenia and sometimes I just can’t hear films over the voices 😂 so annoying, the captions are super helpful!
she’s so good i was surprised to see her in a short film but this was awesome she was perfect for this one
the nasal medication is kinda funny cause whoever is watching her is like “please stop the sniffling”
So good and so creepy. The moment when she sees the review saying "I feel like someone sees me" was so shocking and disturbing.
Jup like Wtf
my soul left my body on that one
That was so scary!!!!
True like she just said it to her sister how the hell someone would type that two at once the thought of someone must be listening or inside the house right?
So this feels like a study of paranoia, anxiety, & lonliness/isolation MANY are feeling amplified & expanded by modern day triggers. Has a Twilight Zone/Hitchcock feel- good job 👏🏽 I too think this eas perfect as a short.
Yup. Couldn't agree more! Trauma based conditioning at it's finest, and as a society, we allow and even encourage it.
yup i agree! i totally enjoyed this but felt it on an unnerving level all at the same time!
Totally agree people not affected have a hard time not grasping the severity of it😢
I had time now!
She wasn't paranoid, she was really being stalked. A study? stfu lol
Jamie Lee Curtis produced this?! Frickin awesome!! She'll always be my favorite scream queen!!
Loved producing this short. Wonderful cast and crew and very proud of how it turned out!
You are NOT Jamie Lee Curtis
When he put her on hold that’s the same song my utilities company uses😂😂😂
This was SO good. I've been on the receiving end of a couple brushing scams before and it was bizarre. Wound up giving the stuff away as gifts or selling it (worked out really well that way). Would LOVE a part two but don't feel it's needed; I like the open-ended kind of 'ha! she wasn't paranoid!' ending.
It honestly doesn't sound too bad. Free stuff 🤣
I had some small items sent to my house as a brushing scam. Only like hairbands and keyrings but it was very weird.
@@yoshilulu2321It’s never anything good or useful - I got a large pooper scooper and like a hand saw. I guess it’s not the worst thing but nothing useful for me.
Blown away. This is a brilliant story, and Allison Tolman gave a masterful performance. When she broke down at the end, I wanted to reach through the screen and hug her
This and "Other side of the box" were just perfect. I have seen quite a bit of horror short films and I have to say these two just top the cake for me.
Well done. Would love to see more of Allison, she was brilliant in the TV series about the young girl who was an alien. (forgot series name)
I’d love to know what show it was 👀
@@kerstieamiya4880 Hi I looked it up...TV series called "Emergence" really good thriller 3 yrs ago I think.
The serie is so good 🤯🤯
THE Jaime Lee Curtis produced this? Whoa!
The devil in our own mind is probably the most powerful enemy ever...
Bravo! What a Unique and creative concept. A real modern day nightmare of online shopping debacles, zoom meetings, cell phones, and the horror of being watched, stalked, and generally messed with...This film was superbly acted with great pacing, Cinematography and a palpable building of dread. I really feared for the main character Jen. Thank you dear director and all who made the film possible. Would love to see more...also, thanks to ALTER.
Great Short!! Let this be a warning not to be banging on doors of People going through a difficult time.
Few years ago I surprised my Mom not telling her I was coming over. The bottom hinge always stuck a little, using the heel of my boot my hands were full. Good thing thing she took classes though to be aware of what is considered defensive action and the difference of being scared. Thought before taking a shot at me. That was the last time I ever showed up unounced. 🤣
Omg the actual hold music caused me ptsd hahahaha
This was so well made, and the main actress did a fantastic job.
She casted in a Netflix Show called "Good Girls"
She is such amazing actress and a beautiful classy lady too 🌷💐🌷💐🌷
The on Hold music at 5:18 is giving me flashbacks
This was excellent! The post about the blinds gave me chills, and I loved the ending. Thank you for not spoon-feeding us the details, too! Looking forward to whatever you make next! ❤️
literally couldn’t watch past 1 minute because of how real it felt. been in these meetings a lot and i literally felt like i was there. hopefully i can finish it later
It’s worth it but very very scary
I really enjoyed the fraction-of-a-second closing scene! Good job. :)
Absolutely chilling! This was fantastic! My only complaint? Is it wasn’t longer.
This is full feature film worthy👏🏼👏🏼
The acting, production and casting? Were all on point. A sequel perhaps? I’ve already watched it numerous times now, and will rewatch now.
I just seen that Jamie Lee Curtis produced this!
The Queen of horror, and Queen of scream’s!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Most of them are.
I love suspense stories like this with twists but I’m sad that they always end so sadly 😅 I know that’s not always realistic or needed, but I’d like to see it SOMEtimes, especially for this lady! I hope her sister gets medical attention quickly and they figure out that the main lady wasn’t paranoid after all 😭
Absolutely the best short horror film about shame and paranoia I could find on TH-cam. Excellent quality, sound & acting. Accurate subtitles for those who prefer to read. I thought that the protagonist was being set up to do a terrorism due to the contents of some of the packages and I was not disappointed by how the story actually progressed. I have recommended to others.
I really like that. It’s a scary movie but you’re also bring awareness to something like this. Honestly, with how accessible everything you do online and everything about you is online I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody had hacked into my phone. I would’ve been entirely freaked out….. but she was getting free stuff that ended up being pretty convenient for her… but that was because she was also being stalked.
As somebody who gets severe paranoia, and if it gets bad enough audio and visual hallucinations I can only imagine in such a low state(especially because she was getting away from an addiction issue) what could only go through somebody’s mind in that position
Alters been a hit or miss lately but I thoroughly enjoyed this film ❤
Loved it!!! The JAWS effect via delivered packages, such a great concept. Where’s the feature!? 😍
I absolutely Adore Allison. She was my favorite character in the tv series Fargo
Sign me up for that scam anytime 😂. Brilliant short btw . Superb , acting first class , great idea
This film was like a metaphor for social media listening to everything we do and algorithms tracking us! How smartphones are constantly listening with the microphone on and it makes it easy for phishing scams like this
Well that was terrifying! True horror without any screamers
I loved the name of the company on the packages, smirk. Poking at amazon with their smile logo.
Loved it but frustrated at the end at inability to call 911 immediately
the violence of hyperaggressive marketing..... OOF. loved this one
Brilliant little film. Wish it was longer. Love Alison. She’s such an amazing actress 😊
I last watch this around 2022 it feels like almost 2 years! And I was staying at the boarding house when I was 1st year on college and I was watching this on a netbook and this short film is so triggering just like they said this need a full movie because this feels real for paranoia for people who lives alone for the first time and are paranoid
This was 10 of 10, Mr. Russell. Awesome. The actress was so common and believable, common in the sense of an everyday ordinary person which made the short piece credible. If this were to happen to me in real life, I would get out the house and just go to a motel for a while. Or vacay. Or something non-routine. I liked this show.
I definitely agree with this comment Allison did an amazing job with this character and after everything through Covid, I’m sure a lot of people who were probably getting on the paranoid side after spending too much time alone I know friends who were single paranoia heightened, and I know my abusive relationship got to the point where I almost died.
It’s crazy what isolation and anxiety can do to people though.
She was funny in Fargo the TV show if anybody hasn’t seen it
I randomly ran into this and being a big fan of Allison Tolman (Fargo, Emergence) I was surprised to see she made a horror short. So I decided to do some research after watching this brilliant unnerving film and found out Russel Goldman aka Jamie Lee Curtis’ right hand directed it and I was no longer surprised. This is excellent work and that final short gave me goosebumps. Great Job on all counts. Brava!
Incredible. That lady is an amazing actress.
This was a truly new non cliche horror story. Excellent five stars
She is a good actress, liked her in Fargo.
Yes, she was very good.
The “Your not” wouldve sent me over the edge lol
What an excellent short film, I loved Allison Tolman in Emergence. It was a bummer when they canceled that show after one season.
Why is that hold music so damn accurate
Wow what a great lead actress! Every scene she's in is so emotionally convincing! 💯
I just got auditory flashbanged by that on hold music. My work has this blasting in the background when they dont hang up the phone properly after making an announcement
So the person stalking Julia must’ve stalked others before he knows how to get into peoples heads so basically like The Watcher
Sorta
I think it was all in her head
Beautiful. I understand this as a critique on data harvesting and the dangers of allowing massive corporations to influence and manipulate consumers based on data they've collected.
This was so original! Excellent film, very terrifying to see what was happening to her. Terrific actress!
Wow! I've worn those shoes many times. This shows the obsession we can have with something to the point we can driven to the extreme if we let ourselves. I have felt that obsession. Kudos to Alllison Tolman who was so believable I could feel her tension as if it were my own! The climax was so intense and felt so real I was on the edge of my seat. Excellent film! Bravo! 🌹🌹🌹 👏👏👏
I knew I knew her from a show!! Fargo!! Such a great show and her character was awesome!! 🙏 Season 1 was 🔥🔥
So good!!
@@marcuso2006 loved it! Didn't get into season 2 though since the characters changed.
@@NoahCanFB I hear you. S1 is so damn good. The good thing the other seasons are all stand alones.
I recognized her from Brooklyn 99
My heart is still racing, that was intense... Great job. The idea that this could happen to literally anyone is scary itself. Much better than any horror I've seen.
Literally had a nightmare about this woman the other day😅
Oof, this was dark. Unfortunately, I'm living in a sober home and AA meetings are forced on us. I hear this prayer twice a week. It's a good prayer, but hearing it in this context was creepy. It almost seemed like the AA group was a part of this and wanted her to be truly alone, although that isn't revealed for a fact.
The hold music is same as the IRS uses on thier "customer service" line.Thats a horror story by itself...
I need a part 2 so amazing 😁😄
Very engaging and current. When I saw her face on the thumbnail I’m like no way ….Fargo… an excellent 17:49 minutes. With all the of our addictions to technology honing in on the horror of scamming is real. Keep it up well executed. You have talent.
She is an incredible actress,I was sad when it ended I needed more!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE IT! congratulations to everyone who made this short! 👏🏼
It's one of the best shorts I've seen in a while. Well done!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
After also moving into a new place I from the middle of nowhere I also went crazy online shopping, because I could! , Being able to simply open the door to the posty was such a novelty......
What made this film good is because it's a short film.
The actress in the lead reminded me so much of Donna Lynne Champlin from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend that I thought I was the one being scammed for a minute! That said, she was very good! Such a creepy, modern horror!
Lmao, the "on hold" music. So real.
Tat shouldn’t have been banging on her door like that. Very unfortunate.
So her apartment was bugged with microphones and or cameras correct? Because I saw her take something out of the little circle things on her wall so I guess anybody could have been listening and watching her because at the end they show a computer and Julia is on the screen so obviously they were spying on her correct?! Really awesome film I really loved it!! there's something terrible in knowing that you're being filmed but it was an awesome really good film 10 out of 10
This lady was on the show Good Girls she's good :-)
Great job guys, truly. That final shot of the final scene playing out both in (cinematic) reality and on the faceless techno-voyeur's computer screen is worthy of Polanski at his best.
The background music that played while on the phone with customer service, is the same I hear when calling bill collectors. This shits getting real
Allison is such an amazing actress! I love her in Fargo and also Castle Rock.
that WINDOW SMASH! Man, this is gold!!!!!
Lol, I love the short film so we open ended the questions because clearly it was somebody who would access to the house that was brushing her.
Landlord..? Previous tenant…? Maybe a contractor that came in or a cleaner between moves. Lol I like the guessing and not knowing.
I love this chic as Molly in Fargo. She's a crack up. Very versatile actress. Excellent short you've created, mate👌🏻. I wasn't aware Jaimie Lee Curtis had broadened her producing horizon. This was a perfect collaboration of creative minds👍🏻.
That was a great jump scare! I went straight to the comments to calm my nerves.
YOOO THIS WAS GREAT I MEAN REALLY GREAT. I DNT COMMENT BUT THIS WAS REALLY GOOD ALTER NEEDS TO LET THIS FILM MAKER DO MORE SHORT FILMS!
Everything Even down to the hold music was perfect!
As someone who’s paranoid and has anxiety and an addiction to Amazon, this REALLY freaked me out! 😭😩🤣
Waiting for CC.
The guilt that comes with recovery is a whole demon within itself. I would know. Find YOUR PEACE.... dont let anybody or any organization define it for you. Its you vs YOU
Amazing job Russell. Can't wait to see more of your work.
This is AMAZING. One of the reasons I could never live alone😂😂😭😭
What we can learn from this: Not to shoot at somebody suspected to enter your home forcefully, but to address the person vocally several times and to warn that you are armed and will use lethal force to defend yourself. If that doesn't help, a warning shot aimed not at the intruder but to the floor nearby would make sense instead of directly shooting at center body.
Even being in a panic, that should be possible.
Def but she was petrified.
Amazon nightmare. Love this actress💐
Outstanding!!!
Amazing short movie. Great actress and the storyline was so good, i would freak out to when i get things i did not order , someone writes revieuws in my name , and if someone would send me something that has to do with the addiction i had in the past i would think they know things about me or spied one way or the other. It's just crazy.. i enjoyed the story.
I loved Allison on Brooklyn 99, loved seeing her in this.
I still don't know what those speaker-like things were on the walls
I miss twilight zone show and short movies like this are in the same level. nice job!!
This is terrifying. Great job to everyone involved, especially the writer 🌹
It did a great job nailing the feeling of mounting paranoia. I don't really understand who was messing with her or why, but I suppose we don't necessarily HAVE to know that in order for the film to work.
This is anxiety inducing!
I like horror films keep it up! :)