The Diary (2004) User Reviews

Great Horror short

[VinceRocca · 8/10 · 13 August 2005]

I saw an early screening of the Diary and thought at that time it was great.

I've heard that it has been tightened and is now even better.

The short has great make-up effects and a yummy bloody zombie feast. I see the director has worked on many big budget Hollywood flicks in the special effects department. No doubt thoses skills and favors were pulled in for the Diary. Because you usually just don't see this level of talent in shorts.

The shooting locations are creepy and very effective. I dug the dungeon basement. It looks like it cost a fortune.

The direction is solid. The acting is good. The cinematography is solid and the sound (which is most important for horror) is excellent. You can't go wrong with this flick.

I also love the miller product placement. Good stuff.

Finally made it into a film festival!

[tnanla · 9/10 · 13 September 2005]

I just found out THE DIARY made it into its first film festival, the FAIF Film Festival, premiering on October 12 of this year at the Mann Chinese. I was surprised it took this long because when I saw it during its completion screening last June I saw a true gem.

The acting is top-notch, the cinematography incredible (a great example is when the Jonathan character is outside and you can see his breath since it's so cold – really conveyed a sense of dread during that scene, another example is when Billy went to bed and there's the blue moonlight hitting hit face, with the orange lighting behind him, adding a nice contrast), the cabin used in the secluded woods was also a very nice touch (it is eerie when you go to a cabin and can't hear any of nature's sounds). I enjoyed the makeup effects on the zombies too, especially on one of the actresses in the film. It made her very sensuous and beautiful.

This film is truly something everyone should watch when it makes its premiere next month. See it everyone, you won't be disappointed!

A well-constructed film

[raven007gal · 10/10 · 14 September 2005]

"The Diary" is a well-constructed film from David Covarrubias. This film transcends the definition of a traditional horror film- a dramatic piece that can be watched repeatedly. The music by Aaron Marshall is very memorable, employing a simplistic theme that conveys the seeming serenity of the ill-fated house. The performances were memorable too, especially from Scott St. Blaze and Larry Butler. Their interaction and chemistry made watching this film very memorable. The acting of John Zacchino and Rachel Oliva was a bit weaker but still good. All in all, it is a very memorable film. Looking forward to the director's next venture, "Perfect Red"!

A film worthy of FAIF Film Festival

[filmlover05 · 10/10 · 13 September 2005]

I attended the completion screening last year for THE DIARY so was very happy to see that it made it into the 2005 FAIF Film Festival. I really do hope it gets into more festivals because it is an entertaining short film. The film is about a newly married couple who goes to a secluded cabin in the woods when certain things start happening with a surprise twist at the end. For 27 minutes, you can't but just sit and watch this spectacle, you never get bored and always want to know what happens next. I really think this film can be made into a feature and I hope one day it happens. I'll be the first in line to see it! Congrats to the director and his cast and crew, great job Mr. Covarrubias, looking forward to your future projects including PERFECT RED, good luck with the filming.

A good fun well thought out horror that will captivate audiences.

[trillions1 · 10/10 · 4 September 2005]

This story was well thought out.

The sound composer was excellent. There were many beautiful shots. It was well cast. This kept me watching to see what would happen. There was never a dull moment.

The location of the cabin was especially beautiful. I liked how we got to see it in spring and then in the snow in winter. The inside was a well designed cabin (worthy of the real estate agent promoting it), the outside was clearly wilderness which suited the script well. I felt like they really were far from civilization.

The script was very well put together. I liked to see a horror that doesn't just go off on a horror tangent but has a complete story. This one delivered!

What can I say, a great film!

[jab50 · 10/10 · 13 September 2005]

I had the privilege of seeing this film during its completion screening last year, and I must say for a first effort from producer/director David Covarrubias, I am thoroughly impressed. This really felt like a film you would see in the theatres, it had the production value you would expect from a well made indie feature. First off, the location in the woods at Lake Arrowhead was a superb choice to film at, the house itself is uniquely shaped, and it is surrounding by beautiful evergreens. Not only that, the acting was superb. Compliments especially to G. Larry Butler and Scott Blaze, they worked really well together. The music is something that helped the film too, especially during the end credits, where you can listen to the soothing music and think about the story that just transpired. And the zombie makeup was well-done, I loved it when they were in the basement! I won't spoil it, but look out for that scene! I won't say anymore, see it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.