Minutes Past Midnight (2016)

"Minutes Past Midnight" (2016) showcases Lee Cronin's early command of atmosphere and chilling suspense, key ingredients that would become hallmarks of his later, more celebrated work. While perhaps not as polished as his later features, this anthology film, co-directed with a handful of other filmmakers, offers glimpses of Cronin's signature style. The segments he helmed provide a potent blend of psychological horror and creature features, hinting at his fascination with primal fears and the fragility of the human psyche. These vignettes, particularly the ones centered on isolation and unsettling transformations, demonstrate a talent for building dread and creating memorable, unsettling imagery. Though a collaborative effort, "Minutes Past Midnight" acts as a compelling stepping stone in Lee Cronin's burgeoning career. The film's effectiveness lies in its ability to unsettle, using practical effects and claustrophobic settings to amplify the horror. It's here we see the initial inklings of Cronin's masterful control over pacing and his understanding of how to exploit a scene for maximum impact. Watching the film is witnessing a director honing his craft, perfecting the techniques and themes that would solidify his place within the horror genre.