HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! Samuel Rudykoff directs and co-writes, with Bryn Pottie, the short film Halfway Haunted. The horror comedy stars Hannan Younis as Jess, a freelancer desperate for something permanent. Mainly, she wants a steady gig as she’s barely living above the poverty line. Her landlord is nice and rents her the flat on the cheap because it is haunted by a ghost (Kristian Bruun).
The morning before a big interview, Stephanie (Sugar Lyn Beard) knocks on the door. Jess answers and is informed that Stephanie’s family just bought the complex, so Jess has two months to vacate. Additionally, she’s now behind on her electric and water bills, as these are no longer included in the rent. Stephanie’s sweet demeanor clearly masks the fact that she believes she’s better than the tenants in the complex. With precious few options, Jess and the Ghost scheme to scare the bejeezus out of Stephanie, so she will leave their home alone for good.
Hannan Younis stars as Jess in the horror comedy short Halfway Haunted, screening at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival.
“…Jess and the Ghost scheme to scare the bejeezus out of Stephanie, so she will leave their home alone for good.”
Halfway Haunted sports a few twists closer to the end of the 16 and a half minute runtime. These curves really highlight the good within Jess, even when dealing with total “Karens” like Stephanie. It also leads to some absolutely incredible physical acting from Younis and Bruun. Younis is believably frustrated yet still easy to root for. Bruun deadpans wonderfully while also selling the more horrific moments well. Beard is hysterically obnoxious, making all watching hope Jess and the Ghost’s plan comes to fruition.
Halfway Haunted is a mix of funny, frightening, and fun. The cast all understand the assignment and deliver appropriately. This is just a good time, and sometimes, that’s all one needs.
Halfway Haunted screened at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival.
"…just a good time, and sometimes, that's all one needs."
