The Soul Trader (2024) Short Film Review
Even though you will probably have more questions than answers upon watching, there’s only one successful way to do a proof of concept that can get you excited for what may come next, and it’s exactly what the short film The Soul Trader does. Directed by Susan Dynner and written by Mike Underwood, this promising approach attempts to mash up many genres in what’s essentially a 10-minute film, and it doesn’t drift away from its need to include drama. Because no matter the heroes or villains, and no matter how thrilling your story may be, we should never forget that humanity is a strong point for every compelling character.
In the film, Shauna Grace gives life to Coral, a hitwoman who doesn’t play by the usual rules of criminals and their counterparts. She’s a businesswoman whose business consists of killing and then some more: she has the ability to snatch souls and sell them to wealthy people who seek to extend their mundane lives. Through a presentation where she breaks the fourth wall, Coral takes us to the kind of party where she delivers and gets paid. Erica (Donna Mills) is her latest client, who doesn’t exactly agree with Coral. And though her bodyguard Damien (Shane West) is pretty menacing, the deal is closed, and Coral is able to collect.
Now, before we get to the conclusion, a narrative move that’s only logical but not strictly necessary, the film does shed light on Coral and who she actually is. Apart from being an occult specialist, she’s also a mother. And this is where The Soul Trader becomes much more interesting, more so considering how this could be expanded into a feature film or TV series. There’s space for drama, and through the exploration of the “single mom” storyline, the film flows naturally into her character development. What happens after is much more effective because of what we saw.
Coral is seeking retirement. All she wants is to leave behind who she once was and embrace a new version of herself. Perhaps someone less violent and whose line of work doesn’t include killing people. It’s why the promise of a last hit becomes the best option to end the film. Her last task is seemingly normal, and when she’s about to conclude, Damien makes an appearance and turns everything around. We won’t spoil what happens, but you just have to know that the all-mighty Coral isn’t exactly the only one who’s able to steal souls after death.
As a proof of concept, the short film The Soul Trader works. Its genre blend will be tough to sell for some because 12 minutes isn’t long enough to understand characters and where they perform, but Dynner does everything to make her film the presentation she needs to expand. Sometimes, it’s all about getting people to believe in your idea and not much more, and this is the final outcome in The Soul Trader.
The Soul Trader is a supernatural thriller opening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 18.
