For the Love of Shorts: The Dollmaker (2017)

A grieving mother latches on to a magical surrogate for her lost child. But small miracles come with big consequences.

So this one is the catalyst of creepy. Written by Matias Caruso (Mayhem) and directed with gusto by Al Lougher (So Dark), The Dollmaker features an outstanding performance by Daniel Martin Berkey (The Luring).

With some wisely chosen cinematography, small feats score big goals here, with the bizarre, yet utterly believable and somewhat terrifying premise. Perri Lauren (Grey Lady) takes a turn here as grieving mother Jenna, in what is an excellent portrayal of the descent into madness.

Utterly mesmerizing.