Shortcut

Shortcut (2020) – A Gritty and Claustrophobic Creature Thriller

Shortcut, directed by Alessio Liguori and released in 2020, is an atmospheric horror-thriller that delivers a mix of coming-of-age tension and creature feature suspense. Set largely in a single, confined environment—a hijacked school bus in the middle of nowhere—the film focuses on a group of five teenagers who must survive the night after an unexpected detour leads them straight into the lair of a terrifying monster. With its stripped-down premise and tight runtime (around 80 minutes), Shortcut aims to deliver a fast, tense ride through darkness, fear, and unexpected heroism.

The film begins innocently enough: five students—Nolan, Bess, Queenie, Karl, and Reggie—are on a routine bus trip through the countryside. When a mysterious roadblock forces their driver to take a shortcut through a remote forest, things quickly take a sinister turn. They encounter a deranged fugitive, who hijacks the bus at gunpoint, forcing them deeper into the woods. But that’s only the beginning—the true threat reveals itself in the form of a monstrous, light-sensitive creature that begins stalking them in the night.

From that point on, Shortcut becomes a survival story. Trapped in a tunnel, with no adult help and limited resources, the teenagers must work together to outsmart the beast and make it out alive. The monster itself is an effective presence, kept mostly in the shadows for much of the film to maintain suspense. Its design isn’t particularly revolutionary, but it's menacing enough to serve its purpose. The film smartly uses darkness, silence, and sound design to build fear rather than relying on constant jump scares.

What gives Shortcut some depth beyond the typical horror format is its focus on the kids. While their personalities aren’t deeply developed, their chemistry and dynamic feel genuine. As they confront the monster and their own fears, themes of courage, teamwork, and growth begin to emerge. The film presents this not only as a fight for survival but also as a test of character.

Visually, Shortcut punches above its budget. The use of practical locations—particularly the dark, abandoned tunnel—adds a gritty realism that enhances the claustrophobic tension. The cinematography leans into a moody palette, with heavy shadows and minimal lighting that reinforce the fear of the unknown. The score complements the suspense without being overbearing, allowing the ambient dread to settle in naturally.

Despite its strengths, Shortcut is not without flaws. Its pacing occasionally stumbles, and the dialogue can feel cliché or underwritten in places. Some viewers may find the narrative thin or the characters underdeveloped, especially compared to more nuanced horror-thrillers. However, as a lean, focused monster movie with a few clever ideas, it accomplishes what it sets out to do.

In conclusion, Shortcut is a tight, eerie horror film that embraces its limitations to create a tense and entertaining creature feature. With young characters thrust into a terrifying scenario, it offers both scares and subtle life lessons. It may not break new ground in the genre, but it’s an engaging watch for fans of survival horror looking for a quick, dark escape.