The Tell-Tale Heart 2009
Robert Eggers' debut short film, The Tell-Tale Heart (2009), plunges viewers into the claustrophobic world of a disturbed servant tending to his ailing master in a decaying, meticulously crafted period setting.
Director: Robert Eggers
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) about?
A troubled servant becomes consumed by guilt while caring for his elderly master in a decaying house. As his sanity unravels, his obsession with the old man's vulture-like eye spirals into violent madness. The film distills Poe's gothic horror into a surreal, visually striking nightmare.
Who directed The Tell-Tale Heart?
The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) was directed by Robert Eggers, who later gained acclaim for his feature films like The Witch (2015) and The Lighthouse (2019). Eggers' meticulous attention to period detail sets this short apart.
Who stars in The Tell-Tale Heart?
The short film features Carrington Vilmont, Dan Charlton, Dan Murphy, Nathan Allison, and Richard Easton in key roles, with Eggers' puppetry bringing the story's unsettling atmosphere to life.
Is The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) worth watching?
With its atmospheric horror and Eggers' distinctive visual style, The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) is a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers and gothic storytelling. While it's a short film, its intensity and craftsmanship make it memorable, especially for those drawn to Poe's macabre themes.
How long is The Tell-Tale Heart?
The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) runs for 22 minutes.
About The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) — Robert Eggers' Unsettling Puppetry Horror Short
Robert Eggers' debut short film, The Tell-Tale Heart (2009), plunges viewers into the claustrophobic world of a disturbed servant tending to his ailing master in a decaying, meticulously crafted period setting. Blending horror and crime with unsettling realism, Eggers employs period-accurate design and uncanny puppetry to evoke the story's surreal, dreamlike atmosphere—where guilt and obsession twist perception into something terrifying. The 22-minute runtime condenses Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale into a visually immersive experience, offering a fresh take on a Gothic classic that lingers long after the credits roll.
Crafted with an eye for tactile detail and psychological depth, The Tell-Tale Heart (2009) stands out as a bold exploration of paranoia and violence, anchored by an eerie atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The film's haunting portrayal of madness and morality invites audiences to question the boundaries between sanity and horror, making it a must-watch for fans of atmospheric, thought-provoking short cinema.