Screamfest 2025 Review: “Shed” – A Claustrophobic Horror!

We have all seen it before. A monster serial killer breaks into a family’s house and murders them all in cold blood. It is oftentimes the beginning to a slasher film in which the audience is ready to watch a bloodthirsty man or woman continue their killing spree after their initial kills. Removing all evidence and witnesses to the crime is essential, which is why every member must die. But, what if the monster didn’t kill everyone and missed someone? On top of that, what if the person doesn’t even know their family was killed or why nobody seems to be looking for them?

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Shed, directed and written by Steven J. Mihaljevich, creates a new twist on the slasher in an industry where we have often seen it all. Following a young girl surviving in her own home and against a crazed man, the film is a well crafted and directed horror amplified greatly by its cinematic elements outside of the story.

​The night Mia’s family (Mani Shanks) family was murdered, her family was playing hide and seek. She decides to hide in the shed and wait for someone to find her. When her brother realizes where she is hidden he locks her in to scare her only to never come back. Hours and hours pass and Mia begins to realize her family may not be coming for her and she must both try to escape and survive in the family’s shed with no food, water, or ways out.

Shed breaks away from slashers that have been done before by harnessing two types of fear through the eyes of a young girl. Upon learning she is trapped in the shed, Mia’s terror is created through her inability to escape and her basic needs stripped away from her.

On top of that, she is anxious and confused as to why her family left her there bringing about the fear of the unknown. Finally, add on the realization later that there is a murderer on the loose and he wishes to finish what he started with her family. The film’s focus on Mia’s ability to survive and the methods she uses to try and escape develops a story of survival even before it includes slasher horror. The film’s level is elevated in the layers of anxiety it induces through Mia’s eyes and as she begins to gain more knowledge on the situation she is in.

​Shed’s sound design and score is able to shine individually and through its focus on little dialogue in the script. Where many films would fill silence with the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings being expressed as they talk to themselves while in peril, the film maintains its realism and allows its silence to allow other cinematic elements to accentuate the script.

The score is composed beautifully by Ben St. Lucian Chase in its scary moments for Mia and dramatic moments when she is trying to understand what is going on. Mihaljevich does an excellent job directing his third feature utilizing camera angles and close ups to hone in on Mia’s survival tactics regarding what she can find in the shed and her bird’s eye view of the only “whirldow” she can find. The film also creates a sense of time through the subtitles of the days as well as Mia’s desperation to find suitable food and water while she “waits” for her family.

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​Shed is highlighted by a fantastic performance by Mani Shanks in which her use of her face and expressive eyes make her an intriguing character to watch. Although young, her ability to think on her feet and use her knowledge to try various survival techniques are both realistic to her age and also satisfying to watch her intellect shine through. The film allows her character to remain childlike and elevated as she is not expected to necessarily outsmart the killer but instead do what she can to continue fighting until her last breath. Shed is a great addition to the Screamfest Film Festival and shows that Mihaijevich is certainly a filmmaker to watch.

‘Shed’ Rating – 3.5/5