The Staircase (2017) was created and directed by Mario Flores, a photographer from Baja California, and stars Irauaddi Fuentes. Flores has appeared as an uncredited extra in Dirty Love (2005) and Resident Evil: Extinction (2007). The Staircase is a typical short suspense video punctuated by a jump scare.
We see a woman relaxing at home, answering text messages. Suddenly, a sound directs her attention to the second floor. A shadowy figure peers over the balcony, then a plastic ball comes tapping down the wooden stairs. She slowly ascends the staircase, until another noise sends her scurrying back down. She waits, then screams as–well, I won’t spoil the ending. But the short film ends there, at 2 minutes and 50 seconds.
The trailer on YouTube is actually more well-made and suspenseful than the movie. The “horror” element doesn’t work partially because of atmosphere (or lack thereof). It’s just way too bright. Second, the creature (or whatever it is) appears too early. There’s no way someone would go upstairs after seeing that thing looking over the balcony. It’s just not believable.
The Staircase is a decent first effort, but there’s nothing to capture your attention. It is available to rent on Amazon.com for $1.99.
M.A. Kleen 