Anoushka Slater
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Janis
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
"Eel Girl" is a 5-minute short film from New Zealand, one of 3 works written and directed by Paul Campion (mostly a visual effects artist, for example on the LotR trilogy) 7 years ago. The title already says it. In its center is not only a fish-human hybrid creature, but also the scientist who is obsessed with her and obviously lacks all kinds of rational judgment all of a sudden when he thinks he can have a romantic/sexual relationship with this creature. Well.. the doors were locked for a reason. The moment he unlocks the door was probably the best of the whole film. Pretty tense. Other than that, the movie does not offer too much however that goes beyond pretty great makeup work. This one is exceptional though and carries the film nicely from start to finish. Also good to see they did not try to stretch it to the 10-minute mark. This way, it stays fairly essential.
Asten Culloski
I half want to say that the only reason this film was made was so the creator could create a weird sexual fantasy of making a naked eel-like woman. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem if that's what gets you off, but as a "horror" short, this film was terrible. From the strange overly-serious acting clashing with the super silly acting, to the terrible soundtrack and absolute lack of sound effects in some parts, Eel Girl was below par in almost every field.The camera work was good, and the eel girl special effects weren't too bad either (though extended shots of her face show flaws), but the rest of it was just dreadful. The non-impactful "action", the sheer stupidity shown by the doctor, it was all terrible writing and honestly not worth your 6 minutes. Or maybe it is because you may love it as some people do, and gambling 6 minutes isn't too risky, but I can tell you right now, if you're looking for something that will creep you out and leave you scared for a good period of time, look elsewhere.
Aaron1375
A short in every sense of the word, but that sometimes is a good thing as it is here. A couple of scientist are hovering over their terminals when a security officer comes in demanding that the senior scientist accompany her to see another man. The guy tries to turn down this offer as he states there must be two people on watch at all times. Well she insists and we quickly learn why he did not want to go as the other guy opens a door in the lab releasing a really nasty looking gal, the eel girl. The make-up is rather good, it is nice to see some people still use old fashion make-up rather than just creating a completely computer generated character. Well the guy obviously has a thing for this creature even though it has nasty teeth and is not really all that attractive other than it has a nice behind. It seems to be trying to lure him in by being sexy and see what happens when he bites. The film could use more development, the ending is somewhat a surprise, but not totally to be sure. You should figure something is going to happen, I was kind of surprised how it took place, but not what happened if that makes sense. The facility looks all high tech, but for some reason there is an old fashioned bath tub in the creature's lair which seems out of place. Granted, I can see it liking the slime, but I think they could have put something more modern to hold it rather than a old bath tub that looked like it came right out of a Saw movie. Still, this short entertained and was over quickly and was a bit nasty. Not really bloody though.
estray981
I have to say I was like yay, because I like the scifi horror type thing, which is what this struck me as. I became disappointed after seeing the credits roll after 5 plus minutes, I thought it would be longer then that. This short film in my opinion has great potential if it became a full featured film, it would rank right up there with species *the 1st one* I hope that maybe someday in the near future that this will become a possibility. The film as it stands left me thirsty for more, there is so much that can be done with this instead of just chillin in the tub lol.. I really hope this becomes a full film. Great job guys and gals.
