A horror short seeking an Oscar nomination, written and directed by Jonathan DiMaio, Princeton’s In The Mix focuses on the extremes of parental ambition and societal peer pressure.
At just over fifteen minutes, the story and its execution have to be tight, and this (mainly) two-person cast certainly delivers and makes the preposterous almost believable.
Charlie Besso plays Teddy. He loves playing the piano more than anything, but is not an outstanding student academically.
As his friends excel on their tests – and their mothers swap notes in their peer chat online – perhaps there is a way he can be given more time to answer questions on the day.
Princeton’s In The Mix spins out the idea that students or the families may fake injuries that impair their writing, and takes this to the extreme in the character of Beth (Heather Burns), Teddy’s mum.
With clever use of messaging, other minor characters, and inner monologue, the film keeps you guessing.
The switch from deception to completely unhinged has to be sudden, shocking, and unexpected. It delivers on this.
If you’re looking for something suitably deranged that will make you jump out of your seat, Princeton’s In The Mix delivers in two scenes, one which also gives you the gore fix beloved of horror fans.
Poor Teddy. I hope it was all worth it, but that last scene is more than a little downbeat.
Princeton’s In The Mix is produced by Antonio A. Ayala and screens at Indy Shorts Unternational film festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. More information on the programme here.
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