Soul Reaper, directed by Janella “Nella Writes” Northern and written by Shacqeal Sanders, presents a unique blend of supernatural storytelling with an urban aesthetic. Produced by Poetic Stories, this ambitious short film introduces audiences to a world where witches and warlocks walk among us, surviving for centuries by stealing souls. Set against the backdrop of North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, the film crafts an intriguing premise that, while not without its flaws, shows great potential for expansion into a full-length feature.
From the outset, Soul Reaper sets itself apart with an unconventional opening. The film begins with a screening link filled with tweets, narrated by a DJ-style voice-over, a creative touch that helps immerse the audience in its world. The audio quality is strong, but the frequent music changes—reminiscent of a YouTube video transitioning with a new song every few minutes—can be distracting. While this approach adds energy to the film, a more restrained use of music might have allowed for greater focus on the story.
Visually, Soul Reaper excels. The cinematography effectively showcases each location, establishing an immersive atmosphere that enhances the supernatural elements. The director demonstrates a clear understanding of space and setting, making each scene visually engaging. Additionally, the editing team deserves credit for making the best of the available material, utilizing freeze frames with character names to help introduce a large cast without overwhelming the audience. This method proves effective, ensuring viewers can keep track of the key players.
Speaking of characters, Soul Reaper boasts a massive ensemble, and while some performances shine, others feel stilted due to awkward dialogue. The film's slang-heavy script occasionally results in unnatural exchanges, making certain moments feel forced rather than organic. However, one standout is Lady P, an older woman who runs a bar that serves as a hub for soul hunters. Her presence adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the narrative.
The story itself is packed into a brisk 22-minute runtime, and at times, the pacing feels erratic. With multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, it can be challenging to stay engaged with each arc. Fortunately, as the connections between these narratives become clearer, the film finds its rhythm. However, the plot remains fairly straightforward, leaving room for further development in a longer format.
While the comedic moments don’t always land, the film still manages to create a compelling atmosphere that keeps viewers invested. Ultimately, Soul Reaper serves as a strong proof of concept for a potential feature film. The world it introduces is rich with possibilities, and with more time to explore its lore and refine its dialogue, it could become something truly special.
For now, Soul Reaper is a solid entry into the supernatural genre, offering an entertaining, visually impressive, and stylistically distinct experience. It’s available for rent on the Poetic Stories website HERE, and for those interested in a fresh take on urban fantasy, it’s worth checking out. With further refinement, this could be the beginning of something much bigger.
Jessie Hobson