The Angel of Death (2017) is a surrealistic Polish short film directed by Jacob Chelkowski. It is characterized by its hypnotic, dreamlike atmosphere and a narrative centered on themes of impossible love, betrayal, and revenge. Film Overview Release Year: 2017 Director: Jacob Chelkowski Genre: Fantasy / Short Film Runtime: Approximately 20 minutes Production Country: Poland Cast and Crew
The production features a primarily Polish cast and crew, often cited on IMDb. Writer/Director: Jacob Chelkowski Cinematography: Michal Sosna Key Cast: Dariusz Dluzewski as The Old Man/Father Kamila Kaminska as The Mysterious Woman Magdalena Muzyka as Blonde Girl Sebastian Oberc as The Young Old Man Karolina Palac as The Daughter
The film is described as a "surrealistic hypnotic journey". While the 2017 short film's narrative is abstract, it is often confused with other works of the same title. Users looking for more details can find complete production credits on IMDb or view basic film data on Кинопоиск. Critical Reception
On IMDb, the film holds a user rating of 5.9/10, reflecting its niche, experimental nature. It was produced with a modest estimated budget of €5,000.
Important Note: Do not confuse this Polish short with the 2017 British action-fantasy film Angel of Death (directed by Taavi Peelo), which follows a daughter's quest for revenge against a vampire. Angel of Death (Short 2017) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
The 2017 short film Angel of Death (also known as Anioł Śmierci ) is a surrealistic fantasy-drama directed by Jacob Chelkowski
. It is frequently praised for its hypnotic visual style and experimental narrative structure. Production Credits Director/Writer/Editor Jacob Chelkowski Cinematography : Michal Sosna. Dariusz Dluzewski as The Old Man/Father. Kamila Kaminska as The Mysterious Woman. Magdalena Muzyka as the Blonde Girl. Core Themes & Plot
The film is described as a "surrealistic hypnotic journey" focusing on three primary emotional pillars: impossible love, betrayal, and revenge
. Rather than a linear story, it uses a moody, atmospheric approach to explore the following: Cycles of Revenge
: The narrative touches on unquiet souls seeking justice or balance. Supernatural Elements
: It blends fantasy with raw human emotion, often categorized alongside surrealist works that challenge standard perceptions of time and reality. Visual Narrative
: Reviewers often note that the film relies heavily on its cinematography and tone rather than dense dialogue to convey its meaning. Critical Reception : It holds a user rating of approximately Atmosphere
: Viewers and critics highlight its unique "noirish" and dreamlike aesthetic. Note on Similar Titles: There is another 2017 film titled Angel of Death
directed by Taavi Peelo, which is an action-fantasy involving a cure for death that turns people into vampires. Ensure you are following the Jacob Chelkowski version if you are looking for the surrealist short. visual symbols used in the film, or perhaps more details on the director’s other works Angel of Death (Short 2017) - IMDb
* Jacob Chelkowski. * Writer. Jacob Chelkowski. * Dariusz Dluzewski. Kamila Kaminska. Magdalena Muzyka. Angel of Death (Short 2017) - IMDb angel of death -2017- - short film
Since "Angel of Death" is a fairly common title in the horror genre, this review focuses on the 2017 short film directed by Josh Hasty (often associated with the horror community and convention circuit).
Here is a review of the short film:
Score: 7/10
Angel of Death (2017) is a stylish love letter to the slasher genre. It succeeds as a visual showcase for director Josh Hasty, proving he can handle tone, tension, and practical horror effects with competence. While it lacks the narrative meat to be truly memorable on a story level, it is an effective and atmospheric watch for horror fans who miss the gritty vibe of 80s VHS tapes.
Who is this for?
Who should skip it?
The 2017 short film Angel of Death (also known by its Polish title Śmierć Anioła ) is a surrealist fantasy and horror piece directed by Jacob Chelkowski
. It is described as a hypnotic, avant-garde journey that explores themes of impossible love, betrayal, and revenge. Core Plot & Themes
The film is characterized by its surrealistic and film noir style. While the narrative is abstract, it centers on: Surrealist Journey
: The film follows a hypnotic path that blends elements of erotica and horror. Central Themes : The primary emotional drivers of the story are impossible love , and the subsequent cycle of Vampiric Elements
: Another 2017 film under the same title (directed by Taavi Peelo) follows a different plot involving a "cure" for sickness that inadvertently turns people into vampires, leading a daughter to seek revenge against a betrayer. However, the Jacob Chelkowski version is specifically noted for its avant-garde, "surrealistic" approach. Cast and Crew
The production features a mix of Polish and international talent: Director/Writer : Jacob Chelkowski Cinematography : Michal Sosna Key Cast Members Dariusz Dluzewski as The Old Man/Father Kamila Kaminska as The Mysterious Woman Magdalena Muzyka as Blonde Girl Sebastian Oberc as The Young Old Man Production Details : Short, Fantasy, Horror, Film Noir, Erotica, Avant-Garde User Rating : It holds a 5.9/10 on based on early reviews. other works Angel of Death (Short 2017) - IMDb
Directed by Jacob Chelkowski, the 2017 short film Angel of Death is a stylized, gothic, and surrealist thriller centered on themes of betrayal and vengeance. The plot follows Nastja, who seeks to avenge her father's murder by embracing a vampiric transformation to fight his greedy apprentice. For more details, visit IMDb. Angel of Death (Short 2017) - IMDb
Most stories about death are either religious (Heaven/Hell) or nihilistic (nothingness). This film posits a third option: The Witness. The Angel’s power is not to kill, but to bear witness to the final moment, ensuring no one dies alone. The scene where the Angel sits on the edge of the bed and holds the patient’s hand is perhaps the most moving 30 seconds of cinema in 2017. The Angel of Death (2017) is a surrealistic
In an era of digital effects, the 2017 production prided itself on practical effects. The Angel’s wings are not rendered in a computer; they are constructed from hundreds of wrinkled, discarded prescription papers and consent forms—symbolizing the bureaucracy of death. The sound design, featuring distorted heart monitors and reversed breathing, creates a 3D audio experience that makes the viewer feel trapped in the hospital room.
Yes. In a world where short films are often ignored in favor of TikToks and YouTube shorts, the angel of death -2017- - short film demands that you sit down, turn off the lights, and listen.
It is not a fun movie. It will not make you jump. But it will sit in your chest like a cold stone. It asks the hard question: If the Angel of Death offered you peace for someone you love, would you take the deal?
By showing the Angel not as a monster, but as a lonely civil servant of the universe, the 2017 short film redefines the mythology for a modern audience. It is arthouse horror at its finest—visually stunning, morally complex, and utterly unforgettable.
If you know of a streaming link for the full "angel of death -2017- - short film", check the official Vimeo page of the production company or request a screener via the director’s website. For fans of slow-burn horror and philosophical terror, this is essential viewing.
There are two distinct short films titled Angel of Death released in 2017. Based on your request, you are likely looking for one of the following: Angel of Death (Fantasy/Surrealist) Directed and written by Jacob Chelkowski
, this short film is described as a "surrealistic hypnotic journey" focusing on themes of impossible love, betrayal, and revenge. Dariusz Dluzewski Kamila Kaminska , and Magdalena Muzyka. Production:
Chelkowski handled multiple roles including producer, editor, and screenwriter. Atmosphere:
It is noted for its dreamlike and experimental narrative style. Angel of Death (Vampire/Horror) Directed and written by Taavi Peelo
, this version is a supernatural horror story centered on a "cure" for death that turns people into monsters.
A man named Constantine believes he has found a cure for sickness and death, only to realize it turns subjects into vampires. After being betrayed and killed by his greedy apprentice, Bastian, Constantine's daughter, Nastja, vows to find and destroy him. Katie Wood
(as Nastja), Taavi Peelo (as Bastian), and Mark Hindman Smith. Note on other versions:
This title is frequently used; other notable entries include a 2009 web series starring and a 2014 short directed by JohnMark Triplett Which of these specific stories were you interested in learning more about? Angel of Death (Short 2017) - IMDb
Angel of Death (2017) is a visceral, low-budget short film that blends elements of psychological horror and dark fantasy to explore the thin line between mercy and malice. Directed by Tomer Stolz, this brief but impactful cinematic piece serves as a character study of a celestial being burdened with the most unenviable task in the universe. The Premise and Narrative Arc Fans of retro-style slashers
The 2017 short film introduces us to a version of the "Grim Reaper" that feels grounded and weary. Rather than the traditional hooded skeleton wielding a scythe, the "Angel of Death" in this iteration is portrayed with a human-like vulnerability, reflecting the emotional toll of witnessing humanity's final moments.
The story follows the Angel as he navigates a series of encounters with those whose time has come. The narrative doesn't rely on jump scares; instead, it builds tension through atmospheric dread and the philosophical weight of the dialogue. The central conflict often revolves around the Angel’s own internal struggle—balancing his divine duty with the flickers of empathy he feels for his "clients." Aesthetic and Direction
For a 2017 independent short, the film stands out for its stylistic choices:
Atmospheric Cinematography: The film utilizes a muted color palette, emphasizing shadows and cold tones to create a sense of isolation.
Sound Design: The auditory experience is crucial, with a haunting score that underscores the inevitability of the Angel’s presence.
Minimalist Set Design: By keeping the locations sparse, Stolz ensures that the focus remains entirely on the performances and the heavy themes of mortality. Themes of Mortality and Mercy
The "Angel of Death - 2017" focuses heavily on the concept of inevitability. It challenges the viewer to look at death not as a villainous force, but as a necessary transition. The film explores:
The Weight of Duty: What happens to a being that only knows the end of things?
Human Connection: The brief, intense bonds formed between the Reaper and the dying.
The Illusion of Choice: How humans react when they realize their time is up, ranging from bargaining to peaceful acceptance. Impact and Reception
In the landscape of 2017 short films, Angel of Death gained traction in indie circles for its ability to tell a "big" story on a small scale. It served as a calling card for the creative team, showcasing their ability to handle high-concept supernatural themes with a mature, grounded touch.
For fans of the "Death personified" trope—seen in works like The Sandman or Meet Joe Black—this short film offers a grittier, more intimate perspective. It’s a somber meditation on the one thing that connects every human being: the end of the road. Conclusion
"Angel of Death" (2017) remains a notable entry in the short horror/fantasy genre. It strips away the theatricality often associated with the Grim Reaper, leaving behind a haunting portrait of a lonely entity performing a grim but essential service. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that asks difficult questions about life, death, and what might lie in between.
Critics praised Angel of Death for its tonal balance and lead performance. It was lauded for managing to be grimly funny without becoming disrespectful to its subject matter. The film was recognized for its strong visual storytelling and the distinct, quirky voice of the director.
Awards and Nominations:
Note: There was also a 2017 Indian short film titled "Angel of Death" directed by Anand Kumar, which deals with themes of crime and punishment, but the Irish film directed by Katie Mullen is the one most frequently cited in cinematic studies and festival literature.