I agree with the previous reviewer. This is a very good short experimental film. Has the director done anything since? I hope she will get the chance to make something full length. As to the subject matter, I once read a comment that a century ago American cities were "infested" with fake spiritualists and mystics. Now they're on TV and Internet.
Four stars for this film; not five because it's just too short.

A century on, it's easy to forget how influential and convincing these mediums were to the public. Even today, people still believe these charlatins enough to give them their own TV shows! Houdini was fighting a losing battle in his time. Although he was key to stopping mediums' claims of contact with the dead, ultimately no one can stop someone from believing even the most incredible of lies.

Why Hollywood hasn't cashed in on the Houdini/Margaret story is beyond my understanding. Good job on the short, now go study up the story I just mentioned and come back with a movie! It's ok, I'll wait.

An extraordinarily rich and visually stunning short from a promising filmmaker. Steeped in mysticism and myth, The Unhappy Medium effortlessly captures a 1920s New England seance with a breathtakingly vivid visual style that makes full use of the monochromatic scale. Emily Sweeney is compelling as unscrupulous "medium" Fay Stinson, while Ian Cardoni manages to capture Tom Lane's torment in just a few short scenes. A tantalizing glimpse at what's yet to come from director Spear, who envisions The Unhappy Medium as part of an ambitious feature film. Spear is a director we'll be hearing from again. Highly recommended.

Great shots and spooky mood. Opening shot with high contrast immediately conveys period feel. Costumes & set were also very convincing. Nice acting!

In the days of the Spiritual Movement, mediums such as this were found in nearly every city. This film could be a short documentary of their methods and motivations. Right down to the exaggeratted expresions and gestures, so typical of early films (being that so many film actors came straight from the theater), this film not only shows period in its script, it captures the look and feel of it.
The sense of tension mentioned in the synopsis, is quite real, a feat for such a short film.

Great job everyone, and I can't wait to see more! I'm in the Boston and area, and would love to be involved in your next production. I'll be writing you an email to say hello...we actually spoke recently about title work!