Tags:
Film: Desperate Measures
Year: 2025
Director: Michelle Hanson
Writer: Michelle Hanson
Starring: Ken Sledge, Ashley Sledge and Kristin Green
Review:
Now this is a short that I had the pleasure of seeing when the star, Ken Sledge, reached out to see if I was interested. I’ve known Ken since elementary school. He’s been on my podcast; I’ve been on his YouTube channel and he’s a genuine nice guy. Getting the chance to check out and review a short that he appeared in, I was all in. I will say that I’m going to be as impartial as I can be with my thoughts.
Synopsis: a young couple seeking counsel heads to a remote cabin in the woods.
That synopsis does well in setting the stage to what we’re getting here. To flesh it out just a bit more, Randy (Ken Sledge), and his wife, Wendy (Ashley Sledge), are seeing a couple’s therapist, Dr. Justine Gilsdorf (Kristin Green). Things aren’t going well and both sides have major issues that just aren’t getting resolved. By the end of this session, Dr. Gilsdorf comes up with a drastic solution. There was a cancellation of an intensive, weekend service she offers. They can go to it free of charge. Both seem leery but do agree, almost like the last-ditch effort before divorce.
They arrive and their idyllic weekend runs into issues when they encounter Michael (Shane Stefanchik), someone who is staying with friends at another cabin. He keeps popping up their door which ends in a nightmare none of them will ever forget.
That is where I’ll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I’ll start is that we have a simple enough premise that most can connect with. We’ve all been in relationships that are at a crossroads. You can either put in the effort and figure out the differences or just end it. Both Randy and Wendy have those feelings for each other. There is deep seeded trauma with Wendy that Randy can’t get her through. What she is dealing with isn’t something that you just necessarily get over though either. The title and tagline said, they’re resorting to desperate measures.
Where I want to go would be over to filmmaking aspects. First, having our couple go to a remote cabin is a classic horror troupe. You can’t easily get away. They are isolated. They’re not getting good cellphone service. Then you have this odd guy they meet in the woods who is coming around, making Wendy uncomfortable. The cabin they set it in is great. The cinematography and framing do well in capturing that isolation as well as building on that tension. I’ll say here that this is more of a character study so there are limited effects. It doesn’t necessarily need them. If I have a gripe, the blood is a bit too red. There is charm though going practical so I don’t have a problem. The sound design also helps build this atmosphere.
Let’s then go over to the acting. I’ll be honest, I thought that everyone involved was solid. Something I’ll credit Ken and Ashley for is being a real married couple but playing that they’re having issues. I know when my wife and I pretend to fight, it tends to turn into something more than that. They do well in bringing that heart that is needed for characters in their situation. When things escalate at the climax, it is a bit flat but I can also explain that away as shock. Also just being worn out as the night goes on. Also credit here to Stefanchik for being as creepy as he is. He plays it a bit over the top, but I get Funny Games vibes where he’s enjoying what he’s doing. I’ll also say that Green works as the doctor who is trying to help.
In conclusion, this offers a compelling character study wrapped in a familiar horror premise. Despite a few minor quibbles with the practical effects and a slightly subdued climax, the film excels in its atmospheric tension, effective cinematography and strong performances from the cast, particularly the believable portrayal of a struggling couple by Ken and Ashley Sledge, and the unsettling presence of Stefanchik. Fans of low-budget horror shorts that prioritize character development and psychological tension over overt gore will find much to appreciate in Hanson's directorial effort.
My Rating: 7 out of 10