“Drums” (2024) is a short mystery/horror film that marks the directorial debut of Bulgarian filmmaker Miroslav Petkov. Clocking in at just over five minutes, the film manages to pack an intriguing premise and a surprising twist into its brief runtime.
The story centers on Casey (portrayed by Simona Rose), a young woman who has just moved into a new apartment. Her first night takes an unsettling turn when she begins to hear strange noises – specifically, the sound of drums playing. The source appears to be an electronic drum kit left behind in the apartment, which seems to be playing by itself. This setup effectively establishes a creepy atmosphere and builds tension from the outset.
As Casey attempts to unravel the mystery, she makes a series of phone calls – first to the building superintendent, who unhelpfully suggests dealing with it in the morning, and then to her friend who helped her get the apartment. It’s through this second call that the film delivers its eerie backstory, revealing that the previous tenant was a drummer and hinting at a dark history associated with the apartment and the drum kit.
Simona Rose delivers a commendable performance as Casey, bringing a natural energy and believability to her role. Her portrayal effectively conveys Casey’s growing unease and fear as the strange events unfold. Rose’s commitment to the part is evident, and she carries the short film capably on her shoulders.
Petkov, wearing multiple hats as director, writer, producer, cinematographer, and editor, shows promise in his storytelling abilities. The film’s pacing is generally effective, building suspense throughout its short runtime and culminating in a shocking and unexpected finale that leaves a lasting impression.
“Drums” also bears the hallmarks of a first-time, low-budget production. Some technical aspects could use refinement. The sound quality is inconsistent, with dialogue sometimes becoming distorted. The framing of shots occasionally feels off, and the lighting could be improved to enhance the atmospheric tension the film aims to create. These issues, while noticeable, are not insurmountable and could likely be addressed with more experience and resources.
The concept of the self-playing drum kit as a source of supernatural dread is interesting, though as one reviewer noted, perhaps a different instrument like a piano might have been even more effective in creating a truly chilling atmosphere. Nonetheless, the drum kit serves its purpose in the narrative and ties well into the backstory revealed later in the film.
While “Drums” may not deliver significant scares for seasoned horror fans, it does succeed in creating an unsettling mood and keeping the viewer engaged throughout its runtime. The twist ending, while perhaps not entirely original, is well-executed and provides a satisfying payoff to the buildup.
In conclusion, “Drums” represents a promising start for Miroslav Petkov. Despite its technical limitations, the film showcases Petkov’s creativity and ambition as a filmmaker. It demonstrates his ability to craft a compact, intriguing narrative and hints at his potential to create more polished and impactful works in the future. As with many debut films, “Drums” serves as a learning experience and a stepping stone. It will be interesting to follow Petkov’s career and see how he refines his craft in subsequent projects, potentially tackling longer formats and more complex stories.
You can watch the entire short film for free on YouTube or by pressing play below!
