🎬 Don't Look in the Mirror (2022)


Trailer provided by ACMofficial via YouTube.


Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Genre: Psychological Horror, Short Film
Runtime: Approx. 9 minutes
Platform: YouTube (ACMofficial channel)
Director: Alex Magaña
Writers: Jed Brian, Alex Magaña
Cast: Erin Hadfield, Autumn Noel, Elle Sunkara

Overview

In a world increasingly saturated with overproduced horror franchises, Don't Look in the Mirror (2022), a short film from director Alex Magaña, reminds us that terror doesn’t need a long runtime or a blockbuster budget to make an impact. Clocking in at just under ten minutes, this micro-horror piece does what many full-length features struggle to: it builds tension quickly, delivers a chilling twist, and lingers in your mind well after the credits roll.

Created by ACMofficial, known for their viral horror shorts, Don't Look in the Mirror is a bite-sized nightmare that taps into one of our most primal fears—the unease of seeing something in the mirror that isn’t quite… us.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

The story follows a young woman, played by Erin Hadfield, who discovers a peculiar antique mirror left behind by a mysterious previous tenant. From the moment she brings it into her home, the mirror begins to exert a strange pull on her. She finds herself staring into it for longer and longer periods, almost hypnotized by its presence.

As the days go on, something in the reflection changes. Subtle at first—shadows that shouldn’t be there, facial expressions that don’t quite match. Soon, the mirror begins to reflect more than reality—it reflects a twisted version of herself. And the worst part? She can't look away.

Concept and Originality

The central concept of the mirror as a sinister force isn’t new in horror—films like Oculus (2013) and Mirrors (2008) have explored similar themes. However, Magaña and Brian manage to infuse fresh dread into the trope by stripping it down to its rawest form. There's no over-explanation, no elaborate backstory. Just a mirror. A girl. And something unspeakable staring back.

The short works almost like a horror haiku—simple on the surface, but heavy with implication. Its minimalist approach is its greatest strength, relying on visual cues and pacing rather than exposition or dialogue-heavy scenes.

Performances

Erin Hadfield carries the film with an impressive performance, especially considering the short runtime and limited dialogue. She captures a gradual descent into obsession and fear with subtle facial expressions and body language. Watching her transform from curious to terrified is believable and gripping.

Autumn Noel and Elle Sunkara have brief but effective roles, serving as the necessary anchors in reality to contrast the protagonist’s growing detachment. Their presence helps to ground the film and raise the stakes as the main character becomes increasingly isolated.

Direction and Visuals

Alex Magaña, who has gained a loyal following for his concise and creepy horror shorts, once again proves his mastery of short-form horror direction. He utilizes tight framing, eerie lighting, and well-timed cuts to keep viewers on edge. The cinematography makes excellent use of mirrors and reflective surfaces to suggest that something is always just slightly off.

What stands out is how Magaña captures the mundane—bedrooms, hallways, daily routines—and turns them into sources of unease. There’s a clever use of repetition and perspective that builds a creeping dread, especially when the reflection in the mirror begins to move independently from the character.

Sound Design and Music

The sound design in Don't Look in the Mirror is one of its most effective tools. The hum of silence, occasional ambient droning, and sudden sharp audio stings are perfectly placed to maximize tension. Even the faint, distorted whispers that seem to emanate from the mirror add layers of psychological horror without being overt.

The score, though sparse, does exactly what it needs to—heightening key moments without overwhelming them. Magaña understands that in short-form horror, silence can often be more terrifying than sound.

Themes and Symbolism

Beyond the jump scares and tension, Don't Look in the Mirror explores deeper themes of self-perception, obsession, and the loss of identity. The mirror becomes a metaphor for introspection gone wrong—what happens when we stare too long into ourselves and start to lose track of who we are?

There’s also a subtle commentary on modern isolation and vanity. In a time when we’re constantly looking at ourselves through screens, selfies, and reflections, the idea of being trapped in a reflection feels eerily relevant. The protagonist’s inability to look away could be read as a metaphor for the addictive nature of self-image in the digital age.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing is tight and deliberate, as it must be in a film this short. Magaña wastes no time with unnecessary exposition. Every second counts, and each frame either builds the atmosphere or pushes the narrative forward. The final moments escalate quickly, ending in a chilling (and slightly ambiguous) twist that leaves the viewer with questions—which, in this case, is a good thing.

One might argue that the ending could have been slightly more fleshed out, but its abruptness actually enhances the unease, leaving us with the feeling that the story isn’t over, just hidden behind the glass.

Shortcomings

While the film is effective in what it sets out to do, its brevity also means it doesn't have much room for deeper character development or expanded lore. Viewers looking for a full explanation of the mirror’s origin or a more detailed resolution may leave wanting more.

Additionally, while the central premise is executed well, it doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of horror innovation. That said, it doesn’t need to. What it does, it does well—and sometimes simplicity is what horror needs most.

Final Thoughts

Don't Look in the Mirror (2022) is a sharp, eerie, and effective short film that knows exactly what it wants to be. Alex Magaña and his team once again show that you don’t need an hour and a half or a multi-million dollar budget to deliver a satisfying scare. Anchored by a strong central performance and guided by a confident directorial hand, this short is perfect for horror fans looking for a quick, spine-tingling watch.

It may not redefine the genre, but it certainly reflects all the things we love about psychological horror in a compact, terrifying package.

Verdict:
A chilling reflection of modern fears, Don't Look in the Mirror is a must-watch for fans of short-form horror.

Have you seen Don't Look in the Mirror? Did the ending stick with you? Share your thoughts below!