«SLAY» by Fran St Clair

If you are over 27, you have at least once googled words like Drip, Vibe Check, Rizz.. or Slay!

Don’t be misled by the literal meaning of the latter, which for the infamous Gen Z is the highest compliment. On this ambiguity plays ‘SLAY’, a wickedly hilarious short film that deftly combines humor, suspense, and satire.

Directed by Fran St Clair, this Generation Z horror-comedy explores the complexities of modern friendships and the impact of social media on the younger generation.

The story revolves around Phoebe (Charlotte Pathe), Jade (Fran St Clair), and Heather (Kelsey Cooke), roommates exasperated by living with influencer Danielle (India Plummer), who punctuates their days at home with live streaming about what she eats and what make-up she uses. Determined to find a solution, they seize the opportunity to ‘deal’ with Danielle, triggering a chain of events that will keep the audience in suspense.

Directed by Fran St Clair, this grotesque comedy ironically explores themes such as cancel culture, maximalist aesthetics, and the perception of femininity between stereotype and search for identity, highlighting their contradictions and complexity freshly and funnily. Fran St Clair’s double role as director and actress in the comic Jade highlights her talent and versatility.
“SLAY” captures the multifaceted essence of a generation and offers an edgy critique of contemporaneity, drawing inspiration from films such as “Heathers”, “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” and the great millennial classic “Mean Girls”, while maintaining its unique voice, the film deftly balances dark humor with genuine emotional depth.

Fran St Clair’s directorial vision is complemented by excellent production values by newcomer Myrtle Tree Studios. The cinematography deftly captures atmospheric and suspenseful moments, and the chemistry between the female cast allows for the authenticity and believability necessary for this grotesque story.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the hilarious and thought-provoking gem that is ‘SLAY’, proof that even as generations change, the power of short films to deliver impactful storytelling and leave a lasting impression does not die.