History is full of terrible things. It’s hard to think of a culture that doesn’t have a history of committing atrocities or having atrocities committed against them. And some things, even something as small as a dead dog, could come back to bite.
Today, we’re discussing the horror short “Laika” by Adam Fair. It is now streaming on Alter’s YouTube channel, and you can also watch it at the end of this article. It might inspire you to get a script ready for the next Killer Shorts Horror Short Screenplay Competition.
The Plot
“In 1957 Laika became the first animal launched into Earth orbit leading the way to human spaceflight.
She never returned.”
There has been a catastrophic accident at the International Space Station. A Russian astronaut tries to get back to Earth, but his escape pod is not working the way it should. As he tries to regain control, a satellite docks with him, bringing back a ghost from Russia’s history in space.
A Dog’s Way Home
The true story of Laika the dog is a tragedy, especially to dog lovers. And this short creates a much belated revenge and return to Earth for the ill-fated test subject.
It digs into guilt from the past to elicit terror and meaning. Upon seeing the dog, the astronaut offers an apology that feels heartfelt and sincere, despite the fact that it’s unlikely that he had anything to do with it. He’s apologizing on behalf of his country and its space program. Something that is relatable for many cultures, often for far worse crimes like slavery, the genocide of Native Americans, and the Holocaust.
It does this with a lot of special effects which are impressive for a short film. And the titular dog is a menacing presence when he confronts the astronaut. It makes a sharp contrast from when the cuter, happier dog we see at the beginning, although, considering the context, not an unbelievable one.
In Conclusion
“Laika” is a haunting yet cathartic tale of national guilt and revenge from beyond the grave. But it also serves as effective space horror.
Watch it below.
Connect with the Filmmakers:
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