Curve is a minimalist, ten-minute short film that masterfully delivers psychological horror through a simple yet intensely unsettling premise. Directed by Australian filmmaker Tim Egan, the film eschews dialogue and backstory, relying solely on visuals, sound, and raw emotion to immerse the viewer in a nightmarish scenario.
The film centers on a lone woman who finds herself clinging to the edge of a curved, smooth surface that leads to an abyss. With no explanation of how she got there or what lies below, the film focuses on her desperate struggle to survive, both physically and mentally.
The film opens with a disoriented woman (portrayed by Laura Jane Turner) lying on a curved, slanted surface. As she regains consciousness, it becomes clear that the smooth, unyielding surface offers little grip, and below her lies an unseen but ominously vast void.
The setting is stark and abstractโthere are no discernible landmarks, no explanation of the environment, and no signs of help. The only sounds are her frantic breaths, the scrape of her fingers against the surface, and the unsettling ambiance of the void below.
Her struggle is visceral and grueling as she attempts to maintain her grip, searching for a way to stabilize herself. Small gestures, like the slipping of her fingers or the sound of a distant echo, amplify the tension.
As the film progresses, her fear and exhaustion mount. The sheer physical effort of holding on becomes unbearable, and moments of panic and despair set in. Despite her determination, the environment is merciless. The film concludes ambiguously, leaving the audience to ponder her fate.