THE STINGING GAME
Director: Mol Smith
FILM SYNOPSIS
Written, directed, and produced by Mol Smith for Onview Films, The Stinging Game (2016) is a low-budget psychological short film that explores the dark, manipulative games played within toxic relationships. The story centers on a fraught dynamic where power, deception, and emotional cruelty take center stage, leading to a high-stakes psychological power struggle where each move is calculated to leave a lasting mark.
Grounded in Smith's signature minimalist, guerrilla-style aesthetic, the short utilizes claustrophobic framing, raw dialogue, and brooding suspense to deliver a stark, unsettling portrait of control, betrayal, and revenge.
DIRECTOR’S VISION
Mol Smith is a British author, independent filmmaker, and founder of Onview Films, whose artistic vision centers on exploring the dark, supernatural, and enigmatic sides of human nature through genre-bending storytelling. Driven by a commitment to grassroots, atmospheric filmmaking, his vision frequently fuses elements of fantasy, horror, gothic romance, and psychological suspense—often reinterpreting classic folklore, dark magic, and morality tales with a distinct indie sensibility. His notable accomplishments include writing, directing, and producing a prolific slate of indie feature films and shorts (such as Beauty with a Dark Heart, Blood Chess, Abduction, and Superstition), authoring several fiction novels and cartoon collections, and establishing platforms designed to make art and literature accessible to diverse audiences.