The stylish and eccentric atmosphere of ‘Malacostraca’ wrapped around practical effects makes this short stand out. The practical creature puppet effects were created by legendary FX artist Gabe Bartalos (Brain Damage, Leprechaun, The Cremaster Cycle, Gremlins 2).
Director and writer Charles Pieper has established a unique style that is recognizable and delightful even when the subject matter digs a dark hole. ‘Malacostraca’ plays out like a tale from Edgar Allan Poe. The short explores the psyche of a writer trying to finish his story while dealing with the new found responsibilities of becoming a father – and how his mind starts to crack.