Little Reaper is a 2013 American horror comedy short written, directed and produced by Peter Dukes for Dream Seekers Productions. It stars Athena Baumeister and John Paul Ouvrier, with John Michael Herndon, Katharine Stapleton, Allisyn Ashley Arm, Katy Townsend and Sorsha Morava.
The Grim Reaper has a difficult teenage daughter who professes to be constantly bored and yearns to be a wailing banshee. Having been grounded for not taking her deathly responsibilities seriously, her exasperated father allows her to take over his duties as reaper for one day. She spends her time on her mobile instead and chaos ensues…
‘Crisp black and white cinematography, deft editing and an impressive performance by Athena Baumeister elevate this comedy horror short above others of its ilk. The twist in the tale is nicely handled and who can resist the amusing notion of a petulant future grim reaper who’d rather be a cool banshee? Compared to Peter Dukes’ earnestly serious werewolf short The Beast – which didn’t gel for this particular viewer – Little Reaper suggests that his future may lie in comedy.’
Adrian J Smith, Horrorpedia
‘Athena Baumeister in the lead role is one to watch, with a charming screen presence she carries the film well, John Paul Ouvrier as Reaper plays his part straight as the strict father type which results in hilarity. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, there is nothing not to like aboutLittle Reaper. For being adorable, good-humoured and entertaining, I’d go as far as saying this has to be one of my favourite short films of 2013.’ Hayley’s Horror Reviews
‘Horror comedies are the hardest type of film to pull off especially as a short film, but Little Reaper was done magnificently with just the right amount of camp. This short film is only a little over 10 minutes long, but it may be one of the best shorts I have ever viewed. Many people try to pack way too much into a short and end up making it run too muddy, but Little Reaper has just enough to make it pretty much perfect, nothing is missing, but nothing feels as though it was forced in.’ Melissa Thomas, Little Blog of Horror
‘It may sway more to the younger female audience who have an appetite for all things handbags and boys as opposed to the hardcore horror fans but its rather humorous take on how the households of the otherworld would look like raises a few chuckles and its 10 minute running time manages to capture some death, flesh eating and a whole bunch of girl talk.’ Blood Guts
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