The Listening Dead is a short film that was featured at this year’s Slamdance. The run time is fourteen minutes, and it's a silent horror film.

I really enjoyed The Listening Dead. Being nearly burnt out on horror sequels and remakes, all competing to be the sickest but foregoing the story in the process, it is nice to see a film that separates itself from the pack.

The plot involves a composer, his wife and a ghost. The wife, who feels neglected, inflicts her husband with an odd condition, inciting the wrath of the ghost, a female who is drawn to the composer and his music.

The film is in black and white, giving it the feel of early horror films such as Dracula and The Wolfman. Lugosi and Cheney would be impressed. Graphics and other visuals, such as the ghost having no pupils, add to the eerie display of the story.

The film stays true to silent film history. It carries music throughout and has the occasional frame filled with the traditional dialog box. But the dialog is not needed, as the story is easy to understand with visuals alone.

I always love a story that can be understood without the presence of dialog. The Listening Dead accomplishes this beautifully.

I hope to see more films soon from writer/director Phil Mucci.

Grade: A