Rebecca A Withey: A review of ‘Don’t Look’ – from Ash and Murphy Films (BSL)

I recently watched Don’t Look, a short horror film directed by and starring Danny Murphy and produced alongside cinematographer Samuel Ash.

What makes Don’t Look extra exciting is that it’s Samuel Ash and Danny Murphy’s first film together —a debut collaboration. Danny – you might recognise from Waterloo Road or even from his social media presence with his comedy reels ‘Danny’s Skits.’

Meanwhile Samuel has built up a wealth of experience working behind the camera on all sorts of film projects for film and television. This mix of front of camera talent and technical know-how is what makes the film feel like such an interesting starting point.

With the creative team being predominantly deaf, the film – written by Jovita Bodamer-MacGregor – weaves accessibility and representation into the film’s DNA rather than simply being an afterthought.

The story itself is about a group of friends who play a sinister game called “Don’t Look” after breaking into a strangers home. Why the stranger didn’t just phone the police, I do not know. Instead they eerily insist that the group must play a game. It’s an unusual concept but the weirdness adds to the spooky vibe.

The rules of the game are simple—close your eyes, and whatever you do, don’t open them. If you do, you risk letting in something very dark and very dangerous.

Thomas – played by Olly Rhodes – communicates in BSL to his deaf best friend Harris – played by Danny Murphy – that whatever happens, he must promise to keep his eyes closed. Harris obediently follows these instructions.

Of course, as with all good horror set-ups, there are always some who have to break the rules! Soon enough, a supernatural presence begins to stir, and the friends are faced with the terrifying consequences of their choices.

Don’t Look is short, sharp, and unsettling—clocking in at under 14 minutes—and for the most part, it does a great job of drawing you in quickly and keeping you hooked.

I must emphasise that the film looks fantastic. For something that was self-funded and shot on such a small budget it really punches above its weight. The visuals are moody, atmospheric, and way more polished than you’d expect from an indie short filmed over just three days in Scotland.

Most of the make up and special effects were also excellent – the bursting of eyeballs and bleeding eye sockets looked particularly gruesome! So, a huge well done to the make up artist supervisor Hannah McCormick.

The cinematography, the use of light and shadow, even the general vibe of the settings—all worked well together to create this sense of claustrophobia and dread.

I also enjoyed the relationship between Thomas and Harris with Olly Rhodes being particularly impressive in his role of the ‘protective hearing best friend who can sign.’

A special mention must also be given to Morgan Colquhoun who stepped into her debut acting role at last minute. I had no idea she was a deaf person playing a hearing character – I was completely convinced!

That said, if I am completely honest the story left me a little confused. Don’t get me wrong—the idea is brilliant, and I love a creepy “rules of the game” horror concept. But I did find myself asking questions afterwards:

Where did this spirit actually come from? Why does it need a host? And what’s with the obsession with people’s eyes?

There were also a couple of moments that broke the tension for me. Most notably, there was a moment (which I won’t reveal in too much detail) that was meant to be chilling but instead made me giggle in its execution, and not in the way I think the filmmakers intended.

But here’s the thing—when you’re making horror on a micro-budget, these things happen, and honestly I can forgive it because the effort and ambition are still there.

What I really want to highlight though is the initiative and spookiness that this team brought to life. The atmosphere, the tension, the way the idea was executed—it shows a lot of creativity and bravery. It also shows that Murphy and Ash, working together, have the potential to create something truly special.

For a debut collaboration, this is an exciting start, and I can absolutely see this partnership going on to deliver even bigger and scarier projects in the future.

Don’t Look delivers some genuine chills, shows off the skills of a talented cast and crew, and sets up Murphy and Ash as a filmmaking duo to keep an eye on (pun intended!)

I came away feeling impressed, intrigued, and hopeful. I’d love to see them expand this idea into something longer, richer, and with a bit more lore behind it—because the bones of something really strong are already here.

In short: Don’t Look might have a few rough edges, but it’s also fresh, ambitious, and memorable. And for a debut film? That’s a huge achievement.

Review by Rebecca A Withey 

Don’t Look is currently on the festival circuit and due for distribution next year.

Director – Danny Murphy 
Executive Producers – Danny Murphy and Samuel Ash
Cinematographer – Samuel Ash
Edited by  – Ruaridh Lever-Hogg and Danny Murphy 
Starring – Danny Murphy, Olly Rhodes, Liam Robertson, Valor Grey, Morgan Colquhoun, Megan Murphy 

Look out for an exclusive interview with Danny Murphy and Samuel Ash, the creators of Don’t Look, on The Limping Chicken very soon!