The Stall (2013) 💀💀½

The Stall, screened at the 2014 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, represents exactly the sort of film that should resonate with enthusiasts of cosmic horror. Sadly, despite its promise, this effort falls short of its potential.

Written and directed by Mike Lombardo, The Stall is an unpretentious film that offers exactly what appears on screen. This isn't necessarily a flaw – there's merit in crafting something purely for audience entertainment rather than artistic depth. Lombardo sets out to do just that.

The film relies heavily on Lovecraftian references. While some prove crucial to establishing the story, others feel gratuitous. References to "the new hit single 'The Rats in the Walls' by everyone's favorite pop-superstar Erich Zann" come across as heavy-handed, serving mainly to demonstrate familiarity with Lovecraft's work rather than enriching the narrative.

Our nameless lead, simply The Man (portrayed by Skot Schaub), lends a feeling of realism to the unfolding events. Looking the part of a young-twenties slacker, Schaub's put-upon demeanor fits perfectly with the character's vibe. His frantic rush to work at Pickman's Pizza should feel familiar to anyone who has been young, without a car, and late for work.

His overall performance proves quite enjoyable, as do the other background players, many of whom, like Schaub (responsible for the film's visual effects – including a positively Jittlovian glint across an octopus-faced pocketwatch), serve multiple roles behind the scenes.

The screenplay presents notable issues. The protagonist, despite supposedly being a long-term employee at Pickman's Pizza, often behaves as if experiencing everything for the first time. His failure to recognize a regular customer or apparent surprise at established bathroom graffiti creates disconnect that undermines the film's atmosphere.

The robbers' dialogue proves equally problematic. Setting aside that they seem to be hiding in a home already marked with police tape, both Poppa Sim and Duss Smitto struggle with dialogue that reduces their characters to caricatures. Their interaction relies heavily on excessive profanity – sixteen uses of "fuck" in a single minute – as if frequency of cursing alone could establish their criminal credentials.

Much of the runtime unfolds, as one might expect, with Schaub's character confined to a bathroom stall. The robbers return in what feels like an homage to Pulp Fiction's diner scene, with Sim and Smitto standing in for Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer while Erik Myrnes' cultish chants replace Samuel L. Jackson's measured delivery.

Despite no single element feeling entirely out of place, when coupled with the heavy-handed Lovecraft references, the overall effect feels contrived. However, the film finds redemption in its final act, experienced through sound rather than sight from the claustrophobic confines of the bathroom stall. Here, the film's simple techniques shine. With lighting strikes reminiscent of Joe Dante's "It's a Good Life" segment in Twilight Zone: The Movie, the narrative takes a welcome tonal shift.

Lombardo's strength seems to lie in visual storytelling rather than dialogue. While evident throughout, this talent emerges fully in the climax. Simple but compelling lighting choices and thoughtful camera work enhance the cramped setting. The cinematography evokes the grimy atmosphere reminiscent of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, creating a palpable sense of uncleanliness that serves the story well. While the ending provides satisfaction, it can't fully compensate for earlier shortcomings.

2013 ✶ 13m ✶ Color ✶ US ✶ Directors: Mike Lombardo ✶ Screenplay: Mike Lombardo ✶ Music: Erik Myrnes ✶ Starring: Skot Schaub (The Man), Mike Lombardo (The Co-Worker), Erik Myrnes (The Cultist), Poppa Sim (Robber #1), Duss Smitto (Robber #2) ✶ Youtube.