Synthesize Me (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

Violeta (Ivana Plantier) uses her late mother’s synthesizers, only to spark a chain reaction that will mean hardship for her and her father. Synthesize Me looks to express how every decision we make, no matter how small, has consequences–and the horror that ensues as a result of Violeta’s innocence and curiosity is monumental. 

The scenery is downtrodden and harsh, transporting viewers to a world that feels all too real, and yet somehow horrific. The worn murals on the city walls and the dry, barren land existing just outside the city limits act almost as a character, two sides of the same coin, expressing the struggle that exists within Violeta and her family. It feels like the only scene in which this character isn’t prominently featured is when Violeta uses the titular synthesizers. Synthesize Me briefly becomes mechanical, but also vibrant and charismatic in that scene. For just a moment, the darker tone that once existed takes a backseat, and some semblance of joy takes over–though this scene acts simply as a break in the drama, to provide a moment of levity that not only works to develop balance but allows the next big moment to be even more dramatic. Synthesize Me primarily sticks with a singular, heavy tone–but does well making swift and sudden shifts into something lighter (even if only brief). 

When you hear the word “horror” I feel its safe to say that most individuals immediately think of things like monsters, death, and the like. I don’t feel that there’s anything wrong with this way of thinking, as we’ve ultimately been programmed to think of things like this. However, films like Synthesize Me (and many others) utilize much more grounded ideas to drive horror forward. A traumatic past and the promise of financial hardship are often much more accessible forms of horror, however–and that’s what viewers will find in Synthesize Me. The heart of this film is grounded, honest, and accessible throughout. 

Furthermore, Synthesize Me doesn’t provide a ton of background information, leaving much to the imagination and asking viewers to read between the lines. However, I’m not sure that it’s imperative that viewers figure out exactly what has happened to Violeta and her father in the past, nor do we need to fully understand what the future holds for this father, daughter duo. Synthesize Me provides as little information as possible, allowing viewers to focus on what lies in front of them rather than other, extraneous details. 

Led by a talented young actor in Plantier, Synthesize Me delivers a dark, powerful story that resonates with viewers, allows them to peer into the lives of those on screen and attempt to understand them, and that tips the standard horror narrative on its head. Synthesize Me is brought to life by its use of juxtaposing visuals, its stronger performances, and its ability to remain mysterious while promising the potential for horror. It’s a successful short that hits the right emotional notes and entertains from start to finish. 

Written & Directed by Bear Damen. 

Starring Ivana Plantier, Antonio Trejo Sánchez, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING