[Fantasia] ‘Don’t Text Back’ review: Horror short warns against dangers of settling

Kaye Adelaide and Mariel Sharp’s Don’t Text Back is a short comedy horror film about the binding effects of toxic masculinity. What sort of vengeance awaits Kelly when she is put off by her date’s behavior? A cursed locket is sent to her, scarring her, and keeping her tethered to an unhealthy relationship. Don’t Text Back is a clever film that looks at the dangers of internet dating and failing to be true to yourself. 

Laughs and supernatural hijinks  ensue when Kelly (Danielle Lapointe) seeks help from a  socially conscious neighborhood witch named Jaren played by Nancy Webb. Lapointe and Webb have great comedic timing and great chemistry. The dialogue is very clever while telling an entertaining story with depth. While this film certainly has some horror elements, the major scares come from the impulses and desires that come from within. Jaren warns Kelly that she may be inviting men like “philosophy bros and Costco daddies” by not being honest with herself about her wants in life. 

Overall, the film has some creepy effects and some very creepy dudes. This is a fun horror short that is sure to conjure up some laughs. The short is screening at the Fantasia Film Festival.