How They Smiled 2011
In the quiet corners of New York's literary scene, reclusive novelist Henry Jenkins (Richard Burgi) crafts bestselling horror thrillers from his daily ritual at Lizzy's coffee shop.
Director: Nicolas Wendl
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is How They Smiled (2011) about?
How They Smiled (2011) follows Henry Jenkins, a reclusive horror novelist whose life revolves around routine until his daily visits to Lizzy's coffee shop begin to unravel the fragile boundary between his fictional world and reality. As he polishes his final draft, the narrative takes a sinister turn, forcing him to confront the unsettling truths hidden in his own writing.
Who directed How They Smiled?
How They Smiled was directed by Nicolas Wendl, who crafts a tense, atmospheric short film that blends mystery and horror with psychological depth.
Who stars in How They Smiled?
The film stars Richard Burgi as Henry Jenkins, Heather Snell as Lizzy Garland, alongside Erica Vogelvang and Oliver Stafford in key supporting roles.
Is How They Smiled (2011) worth watching?
While How They Smiled (2011) lacks an IMDb rating, its 13-minute runtime makes it a quick but impactful watch for fans of psychological horror and mystery. The film's tight direction and strong performances elevate its atmospheric tension, making it a compelling choice for a brief, chilling experience.
How long is How They Smiled?
How They Smiled (2011) has a runtime of 13 minutes.
How They Smiled (2011): A 13-Minute Horror Mystery — Full Movie Info
In the quiet corners of New York's literary scene, reclusive novelist Henry Jenkins (Richard Burgi) crafts bestselling horror thrillers from his daily ritual at Lizzy's coffee shop. Nestled three seats from the door, he sips tea, nibbles toast, and navigates life within a four-block radius, all while absorbing the world through the lens of his award-winning "Blood Asp" series. But beneath his stoic routine lies a simmering tension, stoked by Lizzy Garland (Heather Snell), the chatty barista whose words seem to pierce the silence he guards so carefully. When Henry's latest manuscript faces its final edit, the lines between fiction and reality blur, leaving him—and the audience—to wonder just how much of his life is written in ink, and how much is unwritten horror. Directed by Nicolas Wendl, this 13-minute mystery thriller weaves a taut atmosphere of suspense, exploring the fragility of identity and the unsettling power of words.
How They Smiled (2011) thrives on contrast: the reserved Henry against the effervescent Lizzy, the safety of routine versus the chaos of the unknown, and the quiet dread of a man who might be the architect—or the victim—of his own story.