Wrong Side Of The Tracks (2017)
Directed by Dustin Ferguson · 2017 · Clint Beaver, Lia Havlena, Breana Mitchell, Robert Lankford, Michelle Muir-Lewis
In 2017, director Dustin Ferguson delivers a lean, gritty horror short titled Wrong Side Of The Tracks, running just 38 minutes. The film follows two college girls—played by Lia Havlena and Breana Mitchell—who, on their way to a concert, make the fatal mistake of venturing to the 'Wrong Side of The Tracks' to buy marijuana. What begins as a reckless detour spirals into a nightmare when they encounter a crazed Satanic cult. The tone is raw and urgent, rooted in the low-budget, fast-paced traditions of 2010s indie horror. Ferguson’s style favors immediacy over exposition: the threat is visceral, the setting deliberately mundane until it turns sinister. With minimal dialogue and a focus on escalating dread, the film leans into primal fear rather than elaborate mythology. The performances by Havlena and Mitchell convey authentic panic, while supporting cast members Clint Beaver, Robert Lankford, Michelle Muir-Lewis, Hunter Smith, and Charles Wooldridge populate the cult with unsettling conviction. This is not a film of grand reveals or supernatural spectacle, but of survival under sudden, brutal violence. It suits viewers who appreciate tight, unflinching horror that trusts atmosphere and tension over exposition, and fans of micro-budget thrillers that deliver maximum impact in minimal time.
Why it’s worth watching
Wrong Side Of The Tracks (2017) is a compelling example of efficient, no-frills horror. Directed by Dustin Ferguson, it wastes no time establishing stakes—within minutes, the protagonists are fighting for survival against a fanatical cult. Its 38-minute runtime ensures relentless momentum, making it perfect for viewers seeking a quick, intense scare without filler. The film’s authenticity lies in its grounded premise and unpolished aesthetic, evoking the raw energy of 1980s indie horror while feeling distinctly modern. With a cast that includes Lia Havlena and Breana Mitchell delivering palpable fear, it’s a rare short that leaves a lasting impression.
Trivia
- Directed by Dustin Ferguson
- Released in 2017
- Runtime: 38 minutes
- Starring Clint Beaver, Lia Havlena, Breana Mitchell, Robert Lankford, Michelle Muir-Lewis, Hunter Smith, Charles Wooldridge
- Genre: Horror