## Roger Is a Serial Killer: A Holiday Horror Comedy Treat
Filmmaker Don Swaynos delivers a darkly comedic holiday treat with his short film, *Roger Is a Serial Killer*. Starring Sara Paxton (known for *Shark Night*) and horror icon Barbara Crampton (*Re-Animator*, *From Beyond*), this eight-minute short is available for viewing online and offers a darkly humorous take on family dysfunction.
The synopsis teases a podcasting daughter who implicates her stepfather in a series of unsolved murders, creating a compelling narrative for her show but an undeniably awkward family reunion. The film also features Mark Reeb (The Overbrook Brothers), Chris Doubek (Bacurau), and Mical Trejo (Saturday Morning Mystery). Sadly, the film is dedicated to the memory of Mark Reeb, who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 47.
Swaynos, whose other credits include *Don’t Ever Change* and the upcoming *Professional Texan*, explains the film’s timely (though now slightly past-tense) relevance to *Fangoria*: “Seeing family for the holidays can be awkward, especially in the wake of the election, so I hope *Roger Is a Serial Killer* can serve as a distraction. Even if you don’t get along with your family, at least you didn’t make a podcast accusing them of serial murder.” While no longer a strictly holiday distraction, the short film provides a quick escape and the guaranteed pleasure of a Barbara Crampton horror performance. Swaynos also extends gratitude to the film’s producers, Thomas Fernandes and Christopher Shea, executive producers Amanda Fox and Mark Reeb, cinematographer Ellie Ann Fenton, art director Sam Robinson, composer Curtis Heath, TBD Post, and the entire cast and crew.
*Roger Is a Serial Killer* is a darkly comedic and enjoyable short film, offering a unique blend of holiday awkwardness and horror. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below.
(Note: The unrelated news items following the original article have been removed to maintain focus on the featured short film.)