The Happiness Thief

A cautionary tale, this chilling little film could teach The Skeleton Key a thing or two about creating an unsettling atmosphere in a house, even though it's aimed at a much younger audience.

Emily (Chloe Smyth) has fallen out with younger brother Timmy (the improbably named Beans Balawi). He's so full of, well, beans that he's getting on her nerves when all she wants to do is sleep. She strops off, uttering the fateful words: "I hope you're never happy again."

You'd have thought those pesky kids would have learned by now... you have to be careful what you wish for.

Before you can say Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Happiness Thief (Tom Brooke) - who looks for all the world like the sinister cousin of that film's scary child snatcher - appears on their roof with an ominous-looking glass tube.

This is such a wonderful little short that I want to tell you more, but won't. Suffice to say, it is a success on all counts. It has a style all of it's own, the cinematography is lovely and the acting great. Brooke is perfectly Puck-like and the relationship between Emily and Timmy tangible.

Let's hope director Derek Boyes gets the green light for something longer next time.