A man in bed, after failing to fall asleep, is forcefully kept awake by String Head – an entity made of string that psychologically tortures him by wrapping him in a cocoon made from the deepest, darkest thoughts of his mind.

Review by Julie Sheppard:

String Head is a nightmarish, evocative short — the quote off the top, “Somewhere in the night a human being is drowning”, truly captures the film’s haunting visuals, as a man finds himself sinking into a nighttime world between ruthless insomnia and fearsome dreams. These dreams seem to haunt him about his past life — a life full of regret, anger, loss and disappointment. 

The lead performer is brilliant, twisting and turning in frustration and angst. The red string creature does a convincing job playing a harsh figure of control and judgment, with its taunting finger and fist. 

Well-selected props are central to the film. Items hanging down from the blood-coloured strings, such as a forlorn stuffed toy and an old sports trophy, seem to indicate his childhood long ago and a swinging racy red bra perhaps represents a wild past life. These images are surrounded by terrifying, echoing breaths, ominous whispers and powerful minor-key piano, adding to the lead’s portrayal of extreme emotions. 

The tone shifts with soulful vocals and folksy guitar (along with footage of a retreating woman and a smashed couple’s photo) and seems to highlight his remorse surrounding a heartbreaking, failed relationship. The film is relatable to anyone, except for those lucky few with a fully clear conscience, where icons of our past come creeping into our subconscious dream state.