Patricia Beckmann Wells directs, writes, and narrates the short film Mombomb, Part 1. The film follows Pez (Wells), a Girl Scout in Toledo, Ohio, living in the 1970s. This world, without the internet, seems idyllic, a fairytale even. However, the original fairytales were twisted and very dark, and real life is no different. While Pez and her friends are sharing campfire stories in the woods, a real-life monster stalks them.
“While Pez and her friends are sharing campfire stories in the woods, a real-life monster stalks them.”
Running a scant 5 minutes and 15 seconds, the film is just getting started when it ends. But the wild animation, atmosphere, and intensity more than makeup for this being a first act in every way, story-wise. The dolls’ faces look haunted and in turmoil. They move believably, and the stylistic editing is stellar, moving from place to place and scene to scene with ease. Wells has crafted a fairytale in the truest sense, and the dark foreboding that builds up is uncomfortable, to say the least.
Mombomb, Part 1 does not tell a whole story, and making this slightly longer could bring more to the forefront. But the themes of survival, community secrets, and coming of age in the face of tragedy are fascinating. But it is in the animation and music where this short truly shines. Wells has a singular voice that should not be missed, even if it’s not complete at times.
For more information, visit the official Mombomb, Part 1 site.
"…Wells has a singular voice that should not be missed..."
