Why the Curve short film will give you a literal feeling of vertigo

I just rewatched Curve and it is still one of the most intense and visceral short horror films I have ever seen. It is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling where you are thrown into a situation without any explanation and forced to deal with the sheer terror of the moment.

The entire film takes place on a massive, smooth concrete curve over a dark abyss. A woman is clinging to the surface, trying to stay alive while her hands are bleeding and she has almost no grip. There is no dialogue and no background music, just the sounds of her breathing and her nails scratching against the stone.

Tim Egan created something that feels like a physical experience. You feel the ache in your own muscles as you watch her struggle against gravity. It is a perfect example of how high concept horror can be terrifying without needing monsters or jump scares. The monster here is just physics and the inevitability of falling.

It is easy to see why this film blew up online. It taps into a very specific, universal fear of falling and helplessness. If you have not seen this one yet, you need to watch it right here on Buried Films. Just be prepared for your palms to get pretty sweaty.

Do you think you could hold on as long as she does? It is a brutal watch but definitely worth it for any horror fan who appreciates pure tension.