A rock star bound by a devil’s pact drifts toward oblivion, haunted by forever regrets. Across the veil, a fallen angel mourns lost grace. Each seeks redemption—and in that search, confronts what they truly are, and what they might yet become.

https://www.melodiesoftheabyss.com/

https://www.instagram.com/melodies_of_the_abyss/

Review by Andie Kay:

This short film by Iwata Sam was inspired by the true events of Kurt Cobain’s untimely death with the names slightly altered due to legal reasons. Nirvana’s music has touched the lives of so many of us and Iwata Sam has given us a story that is intriguing and thought provoking. What would you do to fulfill your dreams? Would you make a deal with the devil?

I appreciated the attention to detail in the set dressing and the nod to Nirvana’s logo as graffiti on a wall. The cinematography was absolutely stunning, thank you Mark Kenfield. It had this beautiful, haunting quality about it that fit the storyline so incredibly well. There were several great practical effects, as well as the creative beauty in the text screen overlays.

One of the things that I adored was the casting. Andrew Steel as “Kurt” and Kym Jackson as “Courtney” – pardon me, “Lucy” was incredible. Their performances really captured the essence of both characters and the way they played off one another was simply spellbinding. Andrew also wrote and performed a couple of original songs within the film, so that was even more impressive.

This film serves as a cautionary tale but also one that would urge anyone who is experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts or substance dependancy to reach out for help. It reminds us all that we aren’t alone in our struggles.