Film Review: The Blue Drum (2022 – Short Film) – The Secrets Left Behind After Goodbye

 

The Blue Drum | 2022 | 17m
Genre: Horror/Short | Country: US
Director: Angelita Mendoza | Writer: Angelita Mendoza
Cast: Crystal Hernandez, Jonathan Medina, Judith Scarpone
IMDB: 4.4
My Rate: 5/10

Leticia has just lost her father. In her grief, she rediscovers memories of her mother and an unexpected secret hidden inside the house.

Warnings:

Contains alcohol and scary scenes.

Synopsis:

Leticia’s family doesn’t seem to let her grieve in peace. Her aunt quickly tries to sell her late father’s belongings and even tells her to move out of the house — even though her father’s grave hasn’t even dried yet.

Leticia decides to stay overnight in the house with her boyfriend, who insists on being there. Strange noises start coming from the basement. Leticia tries to find the source of the sound and discovers a box filled with memories of her mother. But the noises only grow louder and more haunting.

Will Leticia uncover the truth behind the sound that’s been terrorizing her?

Review:

Imagine someone you love most leaving behind a mystery after their death. That’s what Leticia experiences in The Blue Drum. This film doesn’t just deliver tension — it also reveals the bitter truth about the secrets hidden even by those we think we know best.

Unfortunately, the story’s foundation feels a bit weak, probably due to its short runtime. We never really get to know the characters — not Leticia, not her father, not even the side characters. The film only gives small fragments of explanation about what’s going on, without the emotional depth that makes us care.

Still, despite that flaw, the buildup of conflict and the mysterious atmosphere manage to keep your attention. The tension is maintained through haunting sound design, glimpses of past memories, and the confusion that consumes the main character. Leticia’s choices keep the plot moving and alive.

Sadly, when the story reaches its climax, everything just ends — suddenly, without much impact. The twist is surprising, yes, but it doesn’t leave a strong emotional impression. There’s no visual payoff to reinforce the meaning of the ending, leaving the audience with a sense that something powerful was missing.

Overall, The Blue Drum feels like an unfinished puzzle — some pieces just aren’t there. Many questions are left unanswered: the bad image of Leticia’s father, her aunt’s rush to sell the house, her mother’s death, and the secret that’s only barely touched. The characters themselves feel blurry, like fleeting shadows.

Technically, the film doesn’t show much strength either. The acting is decent but not remarkable, while the lighting and cinematography feel flat. Even the clues leading to the final twist aren’t built up clearly enough.

But despite all its shortcomings, The Blue Drum still leaves one intriguing message — that no one can ever truly be known completely. Everyone has a dark side, small secrets, and hidden stories behind the faces we see every day.

Maybe that’s why the film still hits a little, even if it feels fragile — because it speaks to a very human truth: that everyone lives wearing a mask to protect themselves.

"Everyone lives with a mask that hides who they really are."

 

Ending:

Twist Ending

Recommendation:

Okay to Watch

(Aluna)