Wax (2026)
Story overview
A Canadian horror short film about a perfectionist university student who neglects a worsening ear infection during exam season. As pus constantly oozes and sleep becomes impossible, her grip on reality unravels. Driven by nightmares, exhaustion, and anxiety, she becomes convinced something is alive inside her ear. This body horror film explores the psychological cost of perfectionism, where academic pressure breeds terrifying physical manifestations.
Parent Guide
A brief but intense body horror film that explores psychological distress through graphic physical symptoms. Recommended for mature teens who can handle disturbing imagery and themes of mental deterioration.
Content breakdown
No physical violence against others. The peril is psychological and self-contained to the main character's deteriorating mental state and physical infection.
Contains strong body horror elements including graphic depiction of pus oozing from ear, disturbing sound design, and imagery suggesting something alive inside the ear. The psychological deterioration and loss of reality are portrayed in unsettling ways.
No offensive language noted in the provided information.
No sexual content or nudity.
No substance use depicted.
High emotional intensity due to the portrayal of psychological distress, anxiety, exhaustion, and the physical discomfort of the infection. The film creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere focused on the character's deteriorating mental state.
Parent tips
This 15-minute horror short contains intense body horror and psychological distress. The main character's ear infection is shown with graphic pus oozing, and her mental deterioration is portrayed through disturbing imagery and sound design. The film deals with themes of academic pressure, perfectionism, and loss of sanity. While brief, it creates a highly unsettling atmosphere that may be too intense for younger viewers.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What did you think about the main character ignoring her ear infection?
- How do you think she could have handled her stress differently?
- What makes body horror movies scary to you?
- How does this film represent the connection between mental and physical health?
- What commentary does it make about academic pressure and perfectionism?
- How effective are the body horror elements in conveying psychological distress?
- What healthy coping mechanisms could the character have used instead?
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.