8:38 (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

May (Malia Munley) wakes up and doesn’t know where she is or how she got there. She hears the ominous sound of a strange man in the other room. She panics; she plans her escape. It’s 8:38, and as the clock ticks on, she contemplates what this means for her existence. 

Brilliantly framed as a horror film driven by the idea of abduction, 8:38 is actually a film focused on cognitive disability. That revelation doesn’t come to be until the closing seconds of the film, however. Kept tightly under wraps (though I don’t believe that this tidbit of knowledge ruins the viewing experience by any means), 8:38 enthralls viewers and envelops them in a world that is dark, heinous, and claustrophobic. The majority of this short film takes place inside one room—more specifically, inside of a closet. The room seems to shrink as the film drives forward, and that aforementioned claustrophobia becomes more prominent. That powerful tone remains present, even after the film shifts outside of that bedroom—creating a sense of urgency. More importantly, however, a tonal balance is achieved that endures the entirety of 8:38, a feat that cannot be overlooked. 

That tonal balance is ultimately the key to 8:38’s success, and there are so many things used to develop that tone. One of those things is the use of color. Deep reds and blues (and even the occasional combination—resulting in a gorgeous, yet dark purple) fill the screen at various times throughout 8:38. Those colors represent terror, suffering, isolation, and more—working together to create vibrancy and severity that echo many of the previously mentioned elements. 

I’ve, in some ways, spoiled the film’s big reveal—but it’s incredibly important to note that Writer-Director Imole J.O. Ladipo and Co-Writer Ekam Singh structure and pace their film beautifully. While 8:38 ultimately moves quickly, the self-contained nature of the film effectively slows things down and allows viewers to remain present in the moment. The film certainly feels longer than it actually is—and that’s a compliment to Ladipo and Singh, as their film remains accessible, meticulous, and honest. 

8:38 does a spectacular job of subverting expectations, abruptly shifting the focus later in the film. Viewers are certainly present up to that point, and the sudden change of direction is welcome. A powerful narrative on mental and emotional struggle, 8:38 nails its delivery. 

Directed by Imole J.O. Ladipo. 

Written by Imole J.O. Ladipo & Ekam Singh. 

Starring Malia Munley, Jack Wang, Zhan Wang, & Julia May Wong.

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING