No Vacancy - Film Review
- Top Shorts Team
- Nov 4
- 2 min read
No Vacancy is an atmospheric, tension-filled thriller that grips the audience from its opening moments and refuses to let go. At its core is Leigh Larson, an investigative journalist portrayed by Colleen Trusler with nuance and intensity. Drawn to a remote motel by an unrelenting extortionist, Leigh is forced to confront the specter of her past sins - a premise that sets the stage for a haunting exploration of fear, guilt, and survival.
The jurors praised the film for being “suspenseful, scary and mysterious,” a sentiment that echoes throughout every frame. The carefully chosen location amplifies the isolation and dread, becoming a character in itself. Lukas Colombo’s cinematography is striking and visually arresting, capturing both the starkness of the motel and the shadows of Leigh’s inner turmoil. The visual storytelling keeps the audience unsettled yet mesmerized, building layer upon layer of intrigue.
Sam Diaz’s music score plays a pivotal role, injecting moments of high tension and dread that heighten the suspense without overwhelming the narrative. The result is a perfectly balanced soundscape that intensifies the film’s most terrifying moments.
Equally striking are the performances. Colleen Trusler delivers a riveting portrayal of Leigh Larson, embodying both vulnerability and strength as her character’s secrets come to light. The supporting cast adds depth and credibility, ensuring that the story resonates on both an emotional and psychological level.
As Top Shorts' Premier Judge Jeff Melman noted, “No Vacancy kept me on the edge of my seat” - a testament to the directors’ masterful ability to craft a thriller that is both artful and deeply unsettling. It is no surprise that this film earned Best of Fest, standing out not only for its gripping narrative but also for its cinematic craftsmanship and emotional power.
"No Vacancy" won Best of Fest at the 11th annual Top Shorts 2025.
Review by the Top Shorts' judging team, led by Jeff Melman.
No Vacancy - Website: https://www.theharlequinmovie.com/
