Summary
For a horror film, this one fails at being scary. It’s too loud and silly while the acting is robotic.
It wouldn’t be the Halloween season without streaming platforms releasing a whole slew of forgettable horror flicks to keep us busy during these longer nights. Not one to lag, Netflix unleashed not one but two short spooky tales on the same day, including the sleek Disco Inferno (2023) about supernaturally unforeseen side effects of pregnancy.
The 18-minute short was written by Matthew Castellanos and Mike Ambs. Set during the disco craze of the 1970s, this film may not be scary, but it’s got the flashy lights and the dance moves to keep you mildly entertained for 20 minutes.
Disco Inferno (2023) review and plot summary
We start the film in the 1950s with a nun named Sister Lynn (Helene Udy) praying for forgiveness inside the confessional. In her own words, she’s “gone too far,” meaning she murdered a woman and stole her baby.
Before the law can catch up with Lynn, she takes her own life, leaving behind a confused priest and an orphaned baby in a basket.
In 1973, young couple Mel (Soni Bringas) and Brandon (Stephen Ruffin) are practicing their disco dance moves for an upcoming competition. The dance contest is happening inside the old catholic church, which has since converted into L.A.’s hottest new nightclub, Inferno.
Not only is the competition happening inside a creepy building, but it’s also the pair’s chance to rise to disco stardom.
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While Brandon is mostly worried about the dance contest, Mel has a secret, and she doesn’t know how to break the news to him. Making matters worse, it seems Lynn’s spirit never left the church she died in. All the more reason to never use abandoned places of worship for hedonistic entertainment purposes.
Disco Inferno has that 70s disco vibe going for it. It’s flashy and colorful, the costumes are on point, and that dance number at the beginning is probably the most entertaining scene.
There are also a few interesting editing choices. Notably, the scenes switch between the nightclub and the spirit realm where the protagonist is trapped.
Sadly, the film is let down by the sub-par and robotic performances. The cast members deliver their lines with a level of enthusiasm expected from someone reading out a grocery list. While that’s pretty standard for most short films, I had higher hopes for this overly hyped Netflix release.
The main issue with this title is that it’s not scary in the slightest. There are a few cool shots thrown in, but the second half borders on silly rather than frightening,
Should you stream Disco Inferno?
Like most short films, Disco Inferno features unconvincing performances and laughable jump-scares. It is not scary in the slightest, but the camera work, the music, and the flashy lights do make it worthwhile.
The narrative is engaging enough, and it might make a strong basis for a full feature. I’d make this film compulsory viewing for anyone who thinks an old creepy abandoned church is the ideal venue for a groovy discotheque.
What did you think of Disco Inferno (2023)? Comment below.
