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By John Boden
In a Williamsburg hotel lobby, years ago, I stood and talked to Mike Lombardo, for hours. We talked writing and stories and horror films and cartoons and television. At one point he told me about a short story he'd gotten published called "I'm Dreaming of A White Doomsday" and after he recounted the thing to me, I was stunned by the idea's brilliance. He then went on the tell me he and his Reel Splatter Productions team was planning on making a movie from it. The next few years were marked with progress reports from him, and I was even lucky enough to see it in pieces when initial shooting was completed but all the behind-the-scenes sorcery had not been implemented. Even in its barest bones stage, it was staggering.
It's now December 2017, and I can reveal that I've been fortunate enough to have seen his a few times now and it is every bit as amazing as I'd hoped it would be. It's tough for me not to be biased, not be looking through the tear-stained goggles of how fucking proud of this kid I am. But here goes. I'm Dreaming Of A White Doomsday is a different kind of film, touted as both a horror film and a post-apocalyptic nightmare--and it is both of those things but fleetingly--what it really is, at its core, is fear boiled down. The terror of that fraying tether you hold as the world finally snapping. The lovely balloon you look to for a smile and some uplifting feelings floating up, up and away. A woman and her son are left alone in a sort of makeshift bomb shelter in their basement. Her husband has gone foraging for supplies some time ago and not returned. Her days are spent wallowing in worry and grief while she tried to keep up a cheerful facade for young Riley. As times marches on--and I mean heavy booted stomping kind of marching here--things look grim, and it gets very dark. I could easily explain more but the less you know, the more impact this will have. The film is quite superb. From the beautiful camera work and outstanding set design to the top-notch acting, most notably Hope Bikle and young Reeve Blazi in the starring roles. The story is scalpel-sharp and the details immaculate. The real star of this film, however, is the tone. The sense of melancholy fear that prickles your neck and makes your heart ache is in damn near every minute of this thing. It is a truly wondrous achievement and in a perfect world, destined to become a holiday classic. With help from Executive Producer Brian Keene (you've heard of him, no doubt) I'm Dreaming Of A White Doomsday is playing festivals. And you'd do wise to try and catch it. And by that I mean, you have to keep them eyes peeled for a showing near you. Hopefully sometime soon it'll play a wider release or be available to buy or something. Keep checking www.reelsplatter.com for any and all updates. 
EXPLORING THE LABYRINTH: CLICKERS BY J.F.GONZALEZ & MARK WILLIAMS
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