We had the privilege of monitoring Boo (2019), a short film by writer/actor/director Rakefet Abergel. Our love for independent horror had us more than willing to strap a heart monitor on a test subject to watch this dark story of addiction. Would her vitals spike like a junkie high on drugs or would her pulse flatline from the lack of substance?
What is FearScale? We’ve all heard the expression ‘Scared to Death’ or how something ‘Made My Heart Skip a Beat’, but what does that actually look like? Studies have shown that even when subjected to stimuli that can not present a true threat of danger, our bodies will still produce a physiological response. By analyzing real-time results we are able to give you the most accurate reviews for anything that makes your heart race.
Synopsis:
Over the course of one rough night, Devi, seven years sober, must make a difficult choice between who she loves and what she loves.
Test Subject: Leah
Age : 35
Gender: Female
Fears: Gore / Enclosed Spaces
Resting HR: 62-65 bpm
Walking HR: 80-85 bpm
ANALYSIS:
Within the first thirty seconds we saw a minor jump in our subject’s pulse from an unexpected jolt. After that moment the activity dropped off while the character’s story was established. The five minute mark began a slow increase as the tension of an uncomfortable situation presented itself. Our subject’s heart rate climbed to an impressive 82bpm while she clenched her fists to endure the intense scene.
After a slight dip back into resting numbers our subject witnessed an intense climax rocketing her to our 88bpm peak. On a typical scale we would see the beats per minute drop significantly after the closing scene but our subject’s rapid heart rate lingered through the credits. With the tremendous build during the finale, the complete movie recorded an average of 72bpm, well above our subject’s beginning heart rate.
CONCLUSION:
Boo did a terrific job of establishing a general sense of unease during key moments in the film. If you’re wondering how long it takes for a person’s heart rate to climb twenty-six beats per minute while sitting motionless, the fifteen minute runtime of Boo (2019) gives you the answer. The film develops a visual crescendo similar to the scales we’ve recorded in classic horror. With an average of 72bpm, enough to burn off twenty-seven calories, this short film should keep viewers craving more.
Check out the heart racing trailer for Boo here
And look for the film making it’s way through festivals this year.
BOO: Burns an average of 27 Calories (in just fifteen minutes)
1 oz. Whiskey: 70 Calories
