1. Plot Summary
Shi is a Japanese-set horror short (runtime about 6-9 minutes) written, directed, and produced by Pablo Absento. The story follows Justin (played by Justin Berti), a working man who has always strived to do right by his job and family. On one ordinary day, he receives a phone call from his boss: he is fired, despite his years of reliable work. He pleads, citing his need to pay for his daughter’s schooling and his son Sam’s hospital bills. Distressed, he walks over a misty wooden bridge in a forest, and as he does, chaos begins: he sees a hideous figure — robed, supernatural — dragging a corpse that looks just like him. From that moment on, Justin is pursued by the creature (called “The Shi”) through the forest, a graveyard, and finally to his neighborhood/apartment. The short ends on an ambiguous note, leaving open whether what we saw was literal, supernatural, psychological, or metaphor.
Main setting is rural/wooded Japan, with natural elements (fog, bridge, river, graveyard) and residential apartment so we move from wild, isolated spaces into more familiar/human domestic space. The main characters are Justin, his family (his wife Yoko, daughter, son Sam), and the supernatural antagonist, “The Shi.”
2. Notable Elements
What makes Shi stand out:
- Cinematography and atmosphere: The visuals are strong. From the opening mist, over the bridge, through foggy forest, the setting evokes isolation and dread. In particular, shots like the long, wooden bridge over the river, and later the chase through trees and into a graveyard, work well to build tension.
- Creature design / makeup effects: The antagonist “The Shi” is visually striking — tattered robes, unsettling visage, unnatural movements. Its design feels both Japanese in setting but with some Western horror aesthetic, making it less predictable. The makeup and effects (especially details like black liquid from eye, leaps, distortions) are effective.
- Sound design and score: Sparse dialogue (most of the film has Justin alone), so sound (ambient, forest sounds, creature noises, phone ringing, the shrieks) and music play a big role in building suspense. Score drumming elements reminiscent of classic Asian horror help set mood.
- Pacing and use of silence: Because it’s short, every moment counts. The build-up is gradual: the firing, the walk, the phone, then the first sighting. The silence/quiet before the creature’s appearances makes those moments more jarring. Some handheld camerawork during chase adds urgency.
Weaknesses or less successful moments:
- Some shaky / handheld shots during running sequences feel a bit jarring and slightly overused. Worth noting, though these are minor in the scheme.
- A moment near the end where one might expect Justin to use his keys earlier feels delayed for suspense but slightly strains plausibility.
3. Themes and Messages
Though brief, Shi carries several resonant themes:
- Fear of loss and desperation: Justin is already in a precarious position: fired, family depending on him, medical bills. That sets up a human realism that grounds the supernatural threat. The stress of losing everything pervades the film.
- Death, identity, and “what’s real”: The appearance of a corpse that looks like Justin, the pursuing figure dragging the body, the chase — all raise questions: Is Justin alive? Is he dead? Is this supernatural or psychological (a guilt, a vision)? The title Shi is Japanese for “death” (and “four” in some readings) which plays into both literal and symbolic death.
- Helplessness vs. fight or flight: Justin is forced into running, hiding — the creature seems unstoppable. Yet he does everything he can (running through woods, reaching home, banging on doors). There is tension between human agency and inescapable fate.
- Ambiguity and dread rather than resolution: The film doesn’t tie loose ends; this is common in horror shorts, but here it increases the lingering effect. The unanswered questions are part of the experience. What does death mean here? Has he already died? Is the creature real or metaphor? These amplify the horror.
In terms of holiday traditions / sentiments: Shi is not specifically a holiday film, nor does it draw on holiday or seasonal themes directly. Its relevance is more universal horror: grief, family, fear, mortality. If one wanted to draw connections, it works as something to reflect on the fragility of life and the bonds of family — which often come into sharper focus during the holidays. But that is more interpretive than explicit.
4. Personal Impressions
What I liked:
- The tension is very well built — for only a short duration, it feels much larger. The atmosphere is oppressive and effective; visuals and sound synergize.
- Creature design is memorable and creepy, not overly derivative.
- The emotional stakes are clear: the family situation gives depth beyond just “man vs monster.” That makes you care about Justin.
What was less convincing:
- Because almost no dialogue, some of the character details are implied rather than shown; for some viewers, that might reduce connection.
- Some elements of the pacing feel slightly uneven: the chase is intense, but the transition from supernatural pursuit to domestic escape has moments where the realism is stretched (the key-scene, his ability to reach home, etc.).
- The ambiguity, while a strength, also may frustrate those who prefer clear resolution.
5. Audience Recommendations
This film will most appeal to:
- Fans of short horror / supernatural horror who enjoy mood, atmosphere, dread over gore or jump scares.
- People who like minimalist storytelling: when visual cues, sounds, setting carry a lot of weight.
- Viewers who appreciate ambiguous/hint-driven horror, where you’re left thinking afterward.
- Horror lovers interested in East Asian horror aesthetic mixed with Western horror sensibilities.
It might be less enjoyable for:
- Those who want full explanations, clean endings, or more character development.
- Audiences who dislike horror creatures or supernatural elements, or who are disturbed by ambiguity.
- Viewers who prefer slower horror or psychological horror with emphasis on dialogue rather than visuals/audio.
6. Conclusions and Rating
Shi is a powerful micro-horror experience. In just a few minutes, it builds dread, establishes meaningful stakes, and puts on display a visually striking creature that haunts your imagination. While it isn’t perfect (some pacing quirks, some conveniences in plot), it more than earns its place among effective horror shorts.
I personally would recommend Shi to anyone who likes well-made short horror — especially the kind that lingers. If you enjoy films like The Babadook, Ringu, The Grudge, etc., but in short-form, Shi is a treat.
Final Recommendation: Definitely worth watching.
Star rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
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