Ignore It

'Ignore It (2021)' is a short horror film about a family who are tormented by an evil entity and simply must ignore it to survive. However, not thinking about something is easier said than done, especially when it's lurking in the corner of your vision, gripping your shoulder tightly as its raspy breath pricks up the hairs on the back of your neck. After all, if I tell you not to think about an elephant, what's the first thing that pops into your head? The piece is atmospheric and relatively intense throughout, with a strong sense of foreboding regarding the inevitable failing of its focal family's plan. It's relatively simple, but it's executed well and features a handful of scary moments that capitalise on the suspense built by keeping the antagonist mostly off camera. The concept works as an allegory for a number of things, but interestingly the flick stops short of actually compounding any of its potential thematic underpinnings. I really thought it was going to be a commentary on the way in which ignoring or otherwise suppressing your emotions or mental health issues will always lead to disaster and that facing your demons is the only way to defeat them, but it ultimately takes a much more literal approach. Perhaps that's a missed opportunity, but the piece works well enough its more surface level and it's enjoyable throughout.