In writer-director Benji Wragg’s short film, The Darkened Cottage, horror tackles the dark depths of the human condition in an unusual way.
On this particular day, Jennifer (Anne McCaffery-French) is going about her daily gardening routine. Feeling uneasy, she has this nagging suspicion that she’s being watched. Out of nowhere, she sees the ghostly image of a young woman. Frightened, Jennifer runs into her home and attempts to call for help on her cellphone, but every number she dials goes nowhere.

“…she sees the ghostly image of a young woman. Frightened, Jennifer runs into her home…”
The movie shines the spotlight on the condition of dementia, a disorder that diminishes cognitive functions, such as memory and thinking. Wragg’s horror short explores the severe effects of dementia through the eyes of Jennifer. The filmmaker takes us down the long, dark path of the medical condition as Jennifer is haunted by her ultimate future.
Wragg gets points for his unique take on a complex subject. Though the actual connections between dementia and horror are not always easy to make, the director evokes the right imagery to describe Jennifer’s frightening feelings. McCaffery-French keeps The Darkened Cottage grounded enough for the story to work.
For screening information, visit The Darkened Cottage official website.