“The Red Hourglass” – A Spider Bite Takes A Very Dark Turn

A woman’s life is turned upside down by shocking news that seems almost impossible. The aftermath of this revelation is explored in “The Red Hourglass”, a psychological horror by writer and director B.C. Jones, available to watch on Alter’s YouTube channel.

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The Plot

A black widow spider scrambles across a bed toward the bare legs of the protagonist, Rebecca. As the spider disappears beneath the sheets, Rebecca awakens, startled, with a curdling scream. The arachnid wasn’t there to cuddle. It bit Rebecca, and its venom left behind more than a sore spot. Much, much more.

Rebecca discovers she’s pregnant, but…she’s a virgin. And she is convinced it is an immaculate conception. And that’s not the wildest part. A strange person with a red hourglass symbol on their forehead is watching her.

Once the baby arrives, suspicion and fear dominate Rebecca. Is the baby good or evil? Her panic increases when a group of strangers with the same red hourglass symbol arrives at her home. She confronts the strangers and demands answers.

Their response is far from comforting.

What Lies Underneath

According to the director, B.C. Jones, “The Red Hourglass” delves into ideas of “voluntary submission to indoctrination” and ”humanity’s willingness to follow charismatic figures into darkness”. The script layers complex themes and visuals, but Jones’ direction creates space for the challenging content to be more approachable.

What Makes It Killer

“The Red Hourglass” plot structure breaks the narrative into three, increasingly bizarre, segments. This structure takes the viewer deep into the phases of Rebecca’s discovery, acceptance, and acquiescence to the weird society that confronts her and ultimately assimilates her.

This film is served well not only by its script and themes but also by its lead, Caroline Quigley. She brings nuance to the balancing act required to show Rebecca’s unsettling journey.

This film is a bit trippy, in a very good way. Exploration of Rebecca’s mind and emotions is done with slightly abstract, off-center framing – Rebecca falling through a black space, creepy soundscapes, extreme close-ups – which creates an immersive experience like the viewer is directly inside her head.

Watch it below.