A rock band called Night Gallery head out to an empty old academy to record their third album. As the sound guys set up their equipment, the band settle in and explore their surroundings. Davis (Jeff Thomas) is vexed that Colin (Robert Yensch) and Gage (Daniel Rain) have bought their girlfriends along, despite them all agreeing not to. This combined with drug and relationship problems, creates a uneasy tension between the characters as soon as they arrive. The Band discover an art gallery with dreadful pictures that alter and seem to foretell a ghastly fate for the visitors. They become trapped in the building and begin to realise that the academy holds terrifying secrets. An iniquitous entity seems hell bent on destroying the foredoomed company and time is running out...

From the start, 13 Seconds stands out from the majority of independent horror films as the direction and camera work are of a very high quality. Jeff Thomas' background in television commercials has given him an eye for detail and the skill to transform his ideas into strikingly effective visuals. The location is the perfect setting for the story, a rambling building full of shadowy rooms and corridors that are cleverly lit to create a very eerie atmosphere. Jeff Thomas himself plays the part of Davis well, and Robert Miller, who was also responsible for the special effects, is capable as Sidetrack. 13 Seconds keeps the audience guessing right up to the powerful, harrowing ending and contains enough twists and scares to keep the most demanding horror fan happy. If this, his first full length film is anything to go by, Jeff Thomas has a very auspicious future ahead of him.  S.J.T.

13 Seconds. 2003

Directed by Jeff Thomas

Jeff Thomas offers a perspicacious insight into the making of the ”13 Seconds“ HERE

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