Pastiche – Short Film Review

Shivaan Makker’s *Pastiche* is a brutal, unrelenting descent into chaos that challenges conventional storytelling and pushes the boundaries of cinematic violence. Drawing inspiration from the unsettling energy of Stanley Kubrick’s *A Clockwork Orange*, this short film doesn’t just tell a story—it shoves you into a frenzied nightmare where pain and pleasure blur, and survival is a game played for fame.

The film centers on a father (Nick DeMatteo), drowning in depression after losing his job and watching the world slip through his fingers. Returning home to find his son brutally murdered and his wife held captive by a sadistic duo, he’s thrust into a nightmare. What ensues is a frantic race against time, where violence is as much an art form for the perpetrators as it is a twisted means of entertainment.

From the opening moments, Makker wastes no time in throwing the audience into an escalating frenzy of chaos. The minimalistic setup—focusing on action over backstory—keeps things raw and immediate, creating an immersive tension that’s hard to shake. The film doesn’t hold back; the violence here is over-the-top, a feverish spectacle where bloodshed and madness take on a surreal, almost theatrical quality. It’s as if Makker is experimenting with the very idea of cinematic violence, taking us beyond realism into an exaggerated world where the grotesque becomes strangely captivating.At its core, *Pastiche* is a study in contrasts: it’s a tragic, nightmarish experience that somehow pulls you in with its intensity. The brutal visuals are matched by a biting score from Pierre Vaucher and Ryan Wood that heightens the sensory overload. It’s a sensory assault—a visceral punch to the gut that demands to be felt, not just watched. The sound mix, though jarring at times, only adds to the chaotic experience, amplifying the tension and the disorienting nature of the narrative.

Makker’s homage to Kubrick’s style is evident throughout, especially in the way he mixes violence with a sense of perverse playfulness. Like *A Clockwork Orange*, the characters in *Pastiche* seem to derive pleasure from the suffering of others, and this twisted sense of enjoyment permeates every moment of the film. The violence is never just an act; it’s a performance, a spectacle designed to shock and disturb, but also to captivate in its sheer audacity.

While *Pastiche* is certainly not for the faint-hearted—its graphic imagery and harrowing themes are sure to leave a mark on anyone who dares to watch it—it’s also a testament to Makker’s vision as a filmmaker. His ability to craft a story that feels both deeply uncomfortable and strangely exhilarating speaks to his creative prowess. Though the film’s rough edges and limited budget are evident, the raw energy and originality on display are undeniable.

In the end, *Pastiche* is more than just a home invasion story. It’s an exploration of violence in its most exaggerated form, a dark, twisted carnival ride that’s impossible to look away from. For those who are ready to confront its nightmarish world, *Pastiche* offers an unforgettable cinematic experience. But be warned: once you step into the Goodwell family’s home, you may not come back the same.