CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! The 12-minute short The Soul Trader, directed by Susan Dynner, is very fitting for the chic French Riviera experience at the 77th Festival de Cannes. A supernatural thriller starring Donna Mills, it harkens back to the comedy Death Becomes Her about the undying rich starring Meryl Streep, who is being honored at Cannes this year, and Goldie Hawn. However, writer Mike Underwood added a new and more trendy sexy twist that nods to the horror buzz at every film festival’s midnight screening programming, which has become a mainstay at most film festivals.

“…wants to do one more slay before she calls it quits…”
When we meet Coral Chase (Shauna Grace), it is clear she is unhappy in her job and seeking a career change as an occult hitwoman who steals life-extending souls and sells them to wealthy elitists so she can make a better life for her and her son. As she skulks into a glitter-clad party, she talks to the camera, explaining herself and her work. We meet her latest client, Erica Claessen (Donna Mills) appears to be managed by Damien (Shane West). Coral’s arrogant sales process takes Erica aback but ultimately ends up with the intended soul in a vile procured by Coral. Coral only wants to do one more slay before she calls it quits, but Damien, a rival soul trader, foils her plans.
The Soul Trader is eye candy, a single mom trying to survive, but not without its sex, mystery, and ultimately bizarre horror intentions. Like a dragon’s breath, a soul from one body floats to the mouth of the soul trader, then captured in a vile. A naughty and guilty pleasure, The Soul Trader has the potential for something bigger, as I would like to know what happens next.
The Soul Trader screened at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.