Shortcut (2020)
Shortcut (2020) is a supernatural horror-thriller directed by Alessio Liguori. The film centers around a group of five teenagers—Nolan, Bess, Reggie, Queenie, and Karl—who find themselves trapped in a terrifying situation when a seemingly routine school bus ride turns into a deadly nightmare.
The story begins with the students traveling through a remote countryside on their school bus, driven by their affable driver, Joseph. When they encounter a roadblock, Joseph decides to take a mysterious detour through a dense forest, following an old, unmarked shortcut. Soon after entering this desolate area, the bus breaks down inside a long, abandoned tunnel. To make matters worse, a psychotic escaped convict hijacks the bus, taking the teens hostage and forcing them deeper into the dark tunnel.
However, the real danger is not the criminal but a monstrous, ancient creature lurking within the tunnel. After killing the bus driver and the convict, the creature begins stalking the teenagers. The being is a shadowy, grotesque monster that thrives in darkness, hunting anything that moves. Terrified and disoriented, the group must rely on each other to survive and escape the tunnel alive.
As the teens explore the tunnel, they discover remnants of past victims and clues about the creature’s origin. They realize that light is their only defense against the monster, which cannot survive in well-lit areas. Using their wits and limited resources, they set traps, create light sources, and plan a desperate escape.
Throughout the ordeal, the group dynamic evolves from fear and confusion to resilience and teamwork. Nolan emerges as the reluctant leader, while Bess provides emotional strength. Reggie, Queenie, and Karl contribute with bravery and ingenuity, each facing personal fears to fight back against the creature.
The climax of the film sees the teens luring the monster into a final confrontation using light to weaken and ultimately destroy it. As dawn breaks and they emerge from the tunnel, the experience has changed them forever. They are no longer just schoolmates—they are survivors bound by trauma and courage.
Shortcut combines coming-of-age themes with traditional monster horror. While the plot is straightforward, it offers suspense, eerie visuals, and a focus on youthful resilience in the face of supernatural terror. It serves as both a literal and metaphorical journey through darkness, with survival hinging on light, courage, and friendship.
