Final Girls Berlin Film Festival: Bad Romance – 8 Short Films That Celebrate Horror and Love

The Final Girls Berlin Film Festival (FGBFF) is an exciting event that showcases a diverse selection of horror short films. One of the blocks featured in the 2020 festival is titled “Bad Romance.” With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in these thrilling tales of love gone wrong. The Bad Romance block consists of eight sets of short films, all exploring the dark and twisted sides of relationships. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or simply looking for an unconventional Valentine’s Day experience, this block promises to captivate and leave you on the edge of your seat.

Bad Romance Horror Short Films Set

Short Films About Love at the Final Girls Berlin Festival

The Bad Romance section kicks the festival off in an appropriate fashion. On the same day, it’s also showing Charlie Says, the movie about Charles Manson’s women. Mother of Movies already covered this one and you can read the review for that right here. It’s safe to say this version of the killer’s life is solid and subsequently featured on the 2019 Best of Dark Cinema list so don’t miss that one if you get the chance.

“Sometimes, I Think About Dying”

First in the set of short films is a solemn story from director Stefanie Abel Horowitz about a woman called Fran. It starts in voiceover style and narrates akin to a poem I heard somewhere. Fran is obsessed with the thought of dying. She thinks about the ways and manner in which she might succumb to her passing so much that there is little else her life consists of. A man in her office messages her from time to time. Although she notices him noticing her, Fran puts it down to the fact that he either likes her or wants to sleep with her.

I loved this short film and think it speaks to the heart of loneliness and whether or not sharing your deepest darkest thoughts will be the end of something or the beginning. Sometimes, I Think About Dying runs for 12 minutes and 19 seconds and is well worth your time. This title has been extended into a full-length feature film and was screened at The 2023 Fantasia Film Festival.

Attachment: A Bizarre Bad Romance

In the twisted world of unconventional love stories, “Attachment” takes center stage. This thought-provoking film, directed by the talented Katarzyna Babicz, delves into the complex intricacies of a man’s pursuit of a younger woman and the subsequent chaos that ensues.

The narrative unfolds as we meet the protagonist, a man captivated by the enigmatic charm of a young woman. Blinded by infatuation, he makes the fateful decision to leave his wife behind and embark on a new life with his newfound love interest. As they take the plunge and move in together, the story takes an unexpectedly dark turn. Through her unique storytelling, Babicz masterfully portrays the psychological consequences of such a perilous romantic endeavor. The film explores the intricate web of emotions, the relentless battle against societal norms, and the profound impact of our choices on our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Prepare to be mesmerized by this captivating and unsettling tale of love gone awry. “Attachment” will leave you contemplating the boundless depths of human desire and the haunting repercussions that can unfold when we dare to unravel the threads of our lives in pursuit of an unattainable fascination.

This short film, titled “Attachment,” has a runtime of 16 minutes and 28 seconds, creating a tense and creepy atmosphere. The story revolves around a man who finds himself trapped in close quarters with his lover, realizing too late that he should have examined her more closely. The narrative explores the idea that sometimes new and alluring things can ultimately symbolize the very aspects of life that one believes they have had their fill of. Despite the minimal dialogue, the film effectively conveys its message through its pacing and haunting nightmare sequences.

Short Films About Love

Crust

I loved Crust. This one was my favorite of the six short films. I can see this featuring on a site like Alter and going viral. Made entirely in claymation-stop-motion Crust comes from the wonderful mind of director Isabella Avery. It runs for only 3 minutes 41 seconds but you will love every moment. The quaint and direct story follows a sweet little old woman who loves to bake pies and wants nothing more than to win competitions. She enters them all the time much to the chagrin of her grumpy old husband who sits in a chair nearby as she potters around. Always follow your dreams, no matter who is telling you not to.

Deep Tissue

I previously discussed Deep Tissue at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2019, and I must say, Deep Tissue is remarkably unsettling. It skillfully delves into the concept of believing you understand your desires, only to realize that they are vastly different from what you anticipated. Despite the disparity, there’s a chance you might still find yourself appreciating the unexpected. The film is directed by Meridith Alloway and runs for 8 minutes and 42 seconds.

Sports Day

Sports Day takes quite the turn early on and dives straight into mixed messages and consent. A seemingly innocent kiss turns into more than a girl wants and highlights the pressures on young people. In a Chinese-language short film from Lin Tu, the 10-minute-54-second story soon turns into something more sinister when Bai releases that the room she is staying in is also home to something she can’t quite explain. A weird journey into a dark and scary sexual story-laden narrative about the loss of innocence.

It’s Easier to Raise Cattle

A Malaysian short film from Amanda Nell Eu, It’s Easier to Raise Cattle takes you to the heart of a beautiful green clearing with a girl in a tree smoking a cigarette with obvious enjoyment. Another girl happens upon her and tries to get closer without being noticed to take the discarded butt thrown to the ground. The two girls are seemingly drawn to each other despite having obvious differences. I’m not too sure what the message was in this one, as there were quite a few disjointed ideas.

Foyer (Hearth)

I guess sometimes it’s really important to have things in common for a long successful relationship and the couple in this short film highlights that. Emilie is a Hearth host that looks to be similar to Air BnB. In a creepy voiceover, a man described the pleasant stay he and his partner had in her home and that it was very much suited to their needs. The needs of this couple aren’t normal. Directed by Sophie B. Jacques this French-language short film will keep you on your toes.