Supernatural Horror Short ‘Death Red’ Haunted Paint

Some horrors are scripted; others are just waiting to happen. Filmmaker Mitch Glass has delivered one of the most unsettling and visually arresting short films in recent memory with Death Red, a chilling exploration of history, guilt, and the supernatural lurking beneath the surface of human creation.

This 12-minute horror short film debuted at various festivals last year, captivating audiences with its macabre premise. It’s a fresh dive into the realm of horror that manages to be both deeply disturbing and wickedly imaginative.

The story of Death Red is intrinsically tied to a notorious piece of history: a paint that once carried a sinister reputation. Originally sold in the 1960s as Scarlet Secret, this substance later became infamous after it was discovered to contain the remains of victims murdered by the respected paint manufacturer Richard Barkner. Barkner used his company, Barkner Paints, to orchestrate and conceal his dark crimes.

The legend surrounding the paint is far more terrifying than any fictional narrative. Whispers suggest that using Scarlet Secret in conjunction with uttering a specific phrase—”open their eyes”—could awaken the trapped souls residing within the pigment itself. This potent mix of historical shadow and supernatural folklore forms the backbone of Glass’s chilling vision.

The narrative follows the journey of a young artist named Claire, who acquires a forgotten can of this infamous paint. Believing it to be the key to her next masterpiece, she unwittingly unleashes forces far beyond her control. Starring Kelsey Tuma as the protagonist, the film masterfully uses the folklore surrounding the paint to build tension and dread.

What makes this short so impressive is the sheer creative feat. Glass managed to capture such a complex and haunting story in a remarkably short time, shooting Death Red in just two days. This swift production pace speaks volumes about the filmmaker’s ability to distill complex horror concepts into potent visual experiences.

Mitch Glass has already established himself as a compelling voice in independent horror, having previously crafted other intriguing shorts like Box 616 and Canary. With Death Red, he continues to prove that scripted horror doesn’t need jump scares—it just needs potent atmosphere and a healthy dose of dread.