Name: Disco Inferno
Genre: Horror
Released: 2023-10-20T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Soni Bringas, Stephen Ruffin, Helene Udy, Vera Myers

The opening shot of Disco Inferno (2023) is a strobe-lit dance floor, bodies pulsing to the beat, sweat glistening under neon lights. It’s a vivid snapshot of LA’s disco scene, but director Matthew Castellanos isn’t here to just throw a party. He’s weaving horror into the hedonism, and the result is a short film that thrives on atmosphere but stumbles in execution.

The premise is simple: Brandon (Stephen Ruffin) and Mel (Soni Bringas), an expectant couple, are ready to set the dance floor on fire at LA’s hottest disco. But their night of celebration takes a dark turn when they conjure a sinister presence that hungers for their unborn child. The film leans heavily into its setting, using the disco’s pulsating lights and throbbing music to create a sense of unease. The church-turned-disco venue is a particularly effective choice, adding a layer of sacrilege to the horror.

Castellanos excels in creating tension through sound and lighting. The contrast between the upbeat disco tracks and the sudden silences or jarring noises is masterfully done. The strobe lights flicker ominously, disorienting viewers just as they do the characters. The scene where Mel is haunted by an old woman (Vera Myers) in a restroom is particularly chilling, with the harsh fluorescent lights casting long shadows and amplifying the dread.

However, Disco Inferno falters when it comes to character development and pacing. Brandon and Mel are likeable enough, but their backstory and motivations feel underdeveloped. We know they’re excited about their baby and their night out, but we don’t get a sense of who they are beyond that. The film’s short runtime doesn’t help in this regard, as it rushes through emotional beats without giving them room to breathe.

The performances are solid but unremarkable. Bringas and Ruffin hold their own, but neither delivers a standout turn. Myers, on the other hand, is effectively eerie as the dark presence, using her piercing gaze and unsettling mannerisms to great effect.

Where Disco Inferno truly shines is in its originality. The blend of disco and horror is fresh and exciting, offering a unique take on the genre. The film’s use of the iconic song “Disco Inferno” is clever, with the lyrics taking on a new, sinister meaning in context.

In the end, Disco Inferno is a promising but flawed short film. Its atmospheric horror and original premise are impressive, but its rushed pacing and underdeveloped characters hold it back from greatness.