Streaming on Shudder

Directed by Sam Wineman
Runtime: about 28 minutes
Trigger warnings: Suicidal ideation, suicide, mental hospitals, medical trauma, depression, anxiety

“The Quiet Room” is a short film by Sam Wineman starring Jamal Douglas and A

“The Quiet Room” is a short film by Sam Wineman starring Jamal Douglas and Alaska Thunderfuck (among other notable figures within the LGBTQ+ community).  This film might have a short run time, but it packs a big punch with themes on Mental Illness, LGBTQ+ issues, and Diversity.

After a failed suicide attempt, during which he left no note behind, Michael finds himself locked up in the Alameda County Psychiatric Unit.  Fellow patients inform him to watch out for Hopeless Hattie, the ghost who haunts suicidal patients that didn’t leave a note behind for their loved ones.  The nurses and doctors dismiss Hattie as unproblematic, an urban legend, a silly tale made up by the dramatic patients to garner attention from the staff. Hopeless Hattie may be our film’s antagonist, but she represents so much more than face value as a literal monster terrorizing a locked mental ward. Hattie represents all of the unchecked, unspoken anxiety, depression, fear, loss, and grief of the inpatient residents.  Much like those in the real world facing mental illness must make pivotal decisions to accept help, overcome fear, and learn to live with their illness, or give in and allow it to destroy them, Michael must also face his fears and confront the dastardly Hattie or surrender to the clutches of her clawed hands of doom.  Will Michael and his friends defeat the dastardly demon of Hopeless Hattie, or will they be doomed to forever repeat their mistakes?

It’s truly impressive how many boundaries are pushed in the 27 minutes and change runtime.  Not only does this movie highlight the inequities and apathy of society towards mental illness, it also tackles diversity, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ relationships.  In casting a queer actor of color as the strong hero lead, the filmmakers are also challenging societal norms in regards to heteronormativity, homophobia, and racism.  There is also an implied interracial LGBTQ+ sex scene, a fully decked out Drag Queen as the main villainess (Alaska Thunderfuck) and a side character played by a second drag queen (out-of-drag Katja Zamolodchikova).  It’s also a relief to have a story around a committed M/M gay relationship on screen, and not another “casually promiscuous single gay man.”  By showing implied monogamous and casual gay relationships in this film, it is challenging yet another societal norm. In addition, the film does an excellent job of raising awareness of mental illness/mental health issues in the LGBTQ+ community. Statistical data shows us that LGBTQ+ population are statistically more likely to experience mental illness (visit www.nami.org/find-support/lgbtq for more information).

Seeing all of those things together was a refreshing change of pace from the usual fare, especially since Hollywood has a history of white-washing and heterosexism by promoting cis-hetero male Caucasians in lead roles.  I could go on and on all day about this delightful little short, but you should really give it a chance and see for yourself.

By Ellen Avigliano

Twitter: @imaginariumcs

Instagram: @imaginariumarts and @thejackalopes.warren

I watched this short film as part of my free 30 day trial of Shudder.com streaming service.