Finley 2019 horror film short comedy by J. Zachary Thurman’s award-winning shorts. Experience scares, laughs, and a unique cinematic blend.
Ever wondered what would happen if Chucky was more clumsy than creepy? Meet Finley, the world’s worst killer dummy! Finley 2019 horror comedy short film by J. Zachary Thurman is a gem that flips every scary doll trope on its head—and it’s hilarious. Clocking in at just under 25 minutes, Finley is a wild ride of laughs, scares, and “wait, did that just happen?” moments. It’s the kind of film that makes you wonder why all horror movies don’t have a sense of humor. 😏
Three college students—Alex (Brooke Wallace), Chris (Keith Dowsett), and Jennifer (Alexa Leigh Fletcher)—move into a creaky old house and find a dusty crate in the attic. Inside? A ventriloquist dummy named Finley, gagged and chained like he’s up to no good. Spoiler: he is. Chris, being the brave (or dumb) one, frees Finley, and all hell breaks loose. Well, kind of. Finley tries to be a murderous menace, but he’s about as effective as a toddler with a toy knife. 🍼🔪 His attempts to off the trio are so bad, they treat him like a naughty pet rather than a threat. It’s a comedy of errors where the horror is in how not scary Finley is.
What makes Finley stand out is its perfect blend of horror and comedy. It’s like Child’s Play meets Shaun of the Dead—creepy dolls, jump scares, and all the classic horror bits, but with a twist that’ll have you laughing instead of screaming. The editing is snappy, the script is sharp, and Thurman’s direction keeps you hooked. It’s clear he knows the horror rulebook inside out, and he’s having a blast breaking it. The film’s pacing is tight, and every scene builds on the last, leading to a finale that’s as satisfying as it is surprising. 🎭
Finley isn’t just a fun watch—it’s a festival darling. It scooped up five Best Short Film awards, including the Audience Award at the Portland Horror Film Festival and Best Horror Short at several others. Critics and fans alike rave about its clever take on the genre, with one reviewer calling it “a breathe of fresh air in a world of stale horror shorts.” 🌬️ It’s proof that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact—just a killer idea and a dummy who can’t kill.
Beyond the laughs, Finley is a sly commentary on horror tropes. We’ve all seen the “evil doll” story a million times, but this film asks: what if the doll was just really, really bad at being evil? It’s a hilarious subversion that makes you rethink what scares you—and why. Plus, it’s a nod to the absurdity of horror clichés, delivered with a wink and a grin. 😜 The film’s message? Sometimes, the things we fear most are just… not that scary after all.
If you’re a horror fan with a sense of humor, Finley is a must-see. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s a masterclass in indie filmmaking. Plus, it’s free on YouTube, so you’ve got zero excuses. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the scares, or just to see a dummy trip over his own knife, Finley delivers. It’s like a horror movie made by people who love horror movies—and aren’t afraid to poke fun at them. 🎉
You can catch Finley on YouTube, courtesy of Alter, the go-to spot for horror shorts. It’s only 25 minutes long, so grab some popcorn and settle in for a quick, quirky thrill. Trust me, you’ll be quoting “Finley’s” antics long after the credits roll. 🍿
Alexandra (Brooke Wallace), her boyfriend Chris (Keith Dowsett), and her friend Jennifer (Alexa Leigh Fletcher) are three college students who move in together. After finding the titular ventriloquist dummy, they learn to coexist with it as it tries unsuccessfully to off them, one by one. Humiliated by his lack of prowess in the killer doll department, Finley exiles himself back into his attic crate. When violent intruders target the house, though, Finley gets a chance at redemption.
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Ever seen a horror movie that made you laugh more than scream? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite horror comedy? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear what you think! 💬
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