Possibly in Michigan

| 1983

Directed by: Cecelia Condit

Main Plot

"Possibly in Michigan," directed by Cecelia Condit, is a surreal short film that blends elements of horror, dark comedy, and musical. The narrative follows two women as they navigate a bizarre and unsettling suburban landscape. They are pursued by a masked man with sinister intentions, creating an atmosphere of tension and dread. The film explores themes of violence, consumerism, and the complexities of female friendship. Throughout the story, the characters engage in eerie, sing-song dialogues that heighten the surreal quality of the film. The pursuit by the masked man serves as a catalyst for the women to confront their fears and assert their agency. The film's visual style is marked by its use of vivid colors, disjointed editing, and a mix of live-action and animated sequences, contributing to its dreamlike and unsettling tone. As the plot unfolds, the women devise a plan to deal with their pursuer, leading to a climax that is both shocking and darkly humorous. The film concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers to ponder the underlying messages about power dynamics and the nature of human relationships. "Possibly in Michigan" is a unique and thought-provoking piece that challenges conventional storytelling and leaves a lasting impression.

Characters

  • Jill Sands is a protagonist who teams up with her friend to confront and escape a predatory man, highlighting themes of female empowerment and survival.
  • Karen Skladany portrays Sharon, a woman pursued by a cannibalistic stalker. She teams up with her friend, Janice, to confront and ultimately defeat the predator.
  • Bill Blume is a cannibalistic stalker who obsessively pursues the protagonist, Sharon, creating a surreal and unsettling atmosphere in the short film.

Ending Explained

In the final scenes, the narrative reaches a climax as the two main characters, Sharon and Janice, confront their stalker, Arthur. Throughout the film, Arthur has been menacingly pursuing the women, embodying a predatory and cannibalistic threat. The tension culminates when Sharon and Janice, having lured Arthur into a trap, turn the tables on him. They overpower Arthur and ultimately kill him, subverting the typical horror trope of the helpless female victim. The significance of this ending lies in its reversal of traditional gender roles within the horror genre. Sharon and Janice, who initially appear to be potential victims, assert their agency and take control of their fate. The film concludes with a sense of dark empowerment as the women dispose of Arthur's body, symbolizing their liberation from his predatory grasp. This resolution underscores themes of female solidarity and resilience, challenging the viewer's expectations and offering a commentary on the dynamics of power and control. The eerie, surreal atmosphere that pervades the film is maintained until the end, leaving a lasting impression of both unease and empowerment.

Cecelia Condit Short Horror Musical Jill Sands Karen Skladany Bill Blume