Cutting Moments

A 1997 short film directed by Douglas Buck, this is without a doubt the most significant entry in the extreme-horror short film genre.

In just 25 minutes, this film manages to plunge us into the boredom and perversion lurking beneath the surface of small-town America, embodied by a seemingly typical family: father, mother, and child.

From the very first scenes, we notice the father displaying disturbingly abnormal behavior toward his son and a complete disregard for his wife.

Possibly driven to the edge and seeking a break from the monotony and routine of married life, the wife makes an extreme choice—almost as if she’s trying to erase herself and become someone else entirely.

What follows is an escalation of imagery that pushes the limits of what’s bearable, delivered with a subtle, understated intelligence and an emotional brutality that will leave a lasting mark on your mind.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the link to watch it:

Cutting Moments