Short Film Review — "Seven Deadly Synths"

Wow, I am not super familiar with the synth music scene, or EDM, or even venues that cater to that crowd at all—and yet I feel as though I’ve just been invited with open hearts into a very magical place… In fact, I realized whilst watching Seven Deadly Synths just how much of a hermit I actually am. You see, I do not go out very much and most of the music I listen to is from before I was born. So, first of all, thank you to director Michelle Iannantuono for offering me a 12-minute taste of this wonderful world…

Although I am not an expert on this style of music, I have a few friends who are. They are quite passionate and highly opinionated on the subject. I have witnessed numerous debates about the state of the genre and the minutiae of the music—and heated discussions about which popular artists are actually hacks, supposedly. So, I immediately recognized Seth, the lead character played exceptionally well by Maximilian Koger.

Koger is a hyper-expressive and precise performer. His Seth is a synth zealot who worships at the altar of “the beep-boops,” as one of his partners refers to the tones. So even though Seth can get carried away in his fanaticism, Koger remains completely in control of his character. His physical gestures are super specific and his diction is unrivaled. In a brief monologue describing the different types of synthesizers and how each is subtly different, Koger’s elocution remains on point even as his energy level soars.

Also impeccable is the strong bisexual lighting. The marrying of that electric blue and neon pink is simply beautiful. Kudos are in order for director of photography Jonathan Straiton and lighting director Ahren Ciotti, because those pigments are fabulous. Every frame a visual feast, and the color scheme shapes an atmosphere that is both distinct and ethereal. And, most importantly of all, it complements the sound of the setting, rendering everything cohesive and crisp.

Filling out the environment and adding layers of intrigue to this narrative is an ensemble of three-dimensional side characters—all of whom definitely have a backstory. Like, there’s no way Roscoe, the shady music rep, isn’t up to something nefarious. There’s also the sensitive chamber metal enthusiast who takes great offense when his brand is called “goth shit.” Then there’s Austin, a leftist bartender who weaponizes whipped cream. And of course there’s Brian, Seth’s ex-bandmate and rival who dons a pretty rad helmet that gets emblazoned with some awesome VFX work, courtesy of the multi-talented Iannantuono.

In addition to the excellent character stuff, there is also so much more to this story plot-wise. Iannantuono and her co-writer Austin Butts—yet another triple threat, since he created the sick score and plays Brian—establish a whole mythology surrounding the titular seven deadly synths. The lore is wild, and I need the feature-length version of Seven Deadly Synths as soon as possible, please. All things considered, it’s astounding that this short is only 12 minutes in length. Because it is clear that Iannantuono & Co. have a lot up their sleeve. I sincerely hope more is to come…