Dead Talk Tales: Volume 1 is a 2024 film directed by John Vizaniaris, and produced by both him, and Efrain Rodriguez of Dead Talk Media. It’s a film like no other, in that there are 9 tales, each individually distinct from each other. Each tale has a savory, juicy moment, just before everything collapses into jaw chilling moments.

SHHH!, Don’t Wake It Up

In the beginning scenes, things may seem a little quiet, and maybe even a little average, but then there’s always something that isn’t quite right. The voices begin to whisper and the blood begins to spill. The scary elements/figures that appear in the dark begin to peak around corners. All that can be seen are glimpses of what looks like a shadow, so a quick peek can’t hurt too much. As the tales go on they get more and more dark, more and more gross, and more and more tantalizing. The poor innocent victims, unaware of what awaits them on the other side of the rainbow. Some, always twisting and turning their heads for very real dangers, while others bask in their ignorance. 

The Dead Talk Tales: Volume 1 is a world of tales where dreams become nightmares, and nightmares become reality. Scary stories with monsters and demons are just the tip of the iceberg. The only people there to help may not be who they once were. It only takes just one second for the fever to set in, while the darkness begins to poison the soul. The beast could be anywhere – and anyone. All of a sudden, the story changes and a whole new set of events begins to take place and a new tale is told. These are scary stories. They shouldn’t be seen before bed, and definitely without adult supervision. If precautions aren’t taken, when the night falls the whispers will call. Keep the lights on.

Don’t Turn Around, They’re Right There

Each segment has different characters, – that’s part of what makes this anthology film so unique. Each ending can create a trail of myths and theories that come with this uncertain future. “Tsunami”, featuring Kelsey Cooke as Ruby, has one of those uncertain endings. It’s heartbreaking when the truth can be so clear and yet so unsure. Sometimes people with badges can get away with the craziest things. The last, and greatest of all segments is called “The Relic”, featuring Johnny Wactor as Marcus, Stephanie Einstein as Sadie, and Megan Le as Kayla. The scene begins at night, where there’s freezing temperatures and no one to be found. They quickly learn that some warnings are not meant to be ignored because the consequences far outweigh the cost. It’s interesting to see how the story unfolds and how people react when their lives are on the line. It can be completely acceptable to leave someone behind, so long as the ends justify the means it’s okay.

There are two segments that can make viewers wonder about strange things, things like time, space, sacrifice, and perhaps psychotic behavior. “Grave Shivers” by Brent Sims, and “Bliss” by Dwight Mathis are the stories that really twist minds and stretch them beyond their normal capacity. There’s an unevenness, unsteadiness, and uncertain feeling that drifts from moment to moment, scene to scene. It’s the feeling that comes when someone is watching, waiting, and lurking. Some things out there really do exist because these horrifying tales had to come from somewhere.