Short films are always a joy to watch because you often get to see some very cool ideas that can never make into a full length film. You can take an idea that won't stretch to an hour and a half and actually make a decent film out of it without watering the story down. This is the case with Heading Home that is based on a short story by Ramsey Campbell and directed by Jane Rose. Rose in addtion did just about everything for this short including adapting, shooting, editing and producing so she wore many hats on this production.

The story is rather simple as most short films are. A mad scientist is in his lab experimenting on something that he is keeping a secret from his wife. She is constantly told to stay out of his work because she wouldn't understand. But one day her curiousity gets the best of her and she is shocked at what she discovers. But even more shocking is what she does in retaliation.

I am asuming that the actors used for this short were theater actors as much of it is over top and very stage worthy performances where over acting is necessary. But in this case it kind of adds a campy feeling to the whole production which makes this kind of a fun almost homage to Re-Animator in some ways. While for the most part this short is very character driven the ending is very red.

Besdies maybe the production value of this short I would say it is very well done and a rather fun ride. It works perfectly as a short story and translates well onto the screen especially with the way the "flashback" sequences prepare you for the over-the-top ending that is really the money shot that makes this film. A nice little independent short with a nice twist ending. Hopefully down the line at some point Jane Rose will make a feature and include this as a special feature on the disc.