Prettyface 2016
"Once upon a Time in Chatsworth, California"
In 1969, the sun-drenched hills of Chatsworth, California, hide dark secrets behind the idyllic facades of movie ranches.
Director: Jessica Janos
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prettyface (2016) about?
*Prettyface* transports viewers to 1969 California, where two curious teens stumble upon a seemingly perfect family living on a movie ranch. Their fascination quickly curdles into dread as they realize the family's true nature—they're members of Charles Manson's infamous cult.
Who directed Prettyface?
Jessica Janos directed *Prettyface*, infusing the short film with a cinematic tension that amplifies its historical horror.
Who stars in Prettyface?
The film features Patrick Schwarzenegger, Annalise Basso, and Karsen Liotta in key roles, with supporting performances by Ryan Dorsey, Courtney Gains, and Sasha Higgins.
Is Prettyface (2016) worth watching?
Though unrated and just 16 minutes long, *Prettyface* is a gripping exploration of historical horror with standout direction and performances. Its tight focus and atmospheric tension make it a worthwhile watch for fans of short-form cinema and dark history.
How long is Prettyface?
The runtime of *Prettyface* is 16 minutes.
About Prettyface (2016) — A Chilling Encounter with the Manson Family in 1969
In 1969, the sun-drenched hills of Chatsworth, California, hide dark secrets behind the idyllic facades of movie ranches. Jessica Janos' *Prettyface (2016)* weaves a chilling short film around two teenage girls whose curiosity about a mysteriously glamorous family leads them straight into the shadow of one of history's most infamous cults—the Manson family. The film doesn't just retell a historical horror; it transforms the California dream into a haunting tableau where innocence collides with unspeakable darkness. With its concise 16-minute runtime, *Prettyface* delivers a compact yet potent slice of suspense, blending the allure of 1960s cinema with the grim reality of a moment frozen in infamy.
The atmosphere crackles with tension as the story unfolds, capturing the eerie disconnect between Hollywood's polished facade and the raw brutality lurking beneath. Janos crafts a visually striking and thematically dense narrative, making *Prettyface* a standout in short-form storytelling. Starring Patrick Schwarzenegger, Annalise Basso, and Karsen Liotta, the cast anchors the film's unsettling tone, while the tagline 'Once upon a Time in Chatsworth, California' frames the tale as a twisted fairy tale turned nightmare.