Every day through October, the Department of Tangents brings you the Daily Horror Film Fest – one short horror film for every day of the month. It might be terrifying, it might be funny. It could be an homage classic monsters or something entirely new. Check back every morning for a new scare as we celebrate horror shorts!

When I think of the term “body horror,” it usually brings to mind something grisly and gory, along the lines of a puzzle and slice kind of flick. “Human Form,” a South Korean short from writer/Director Do-yeon Noh, offers something much more subtle than that. In this world, seemingly normal young girls torture themselves over their appearance. So far, that just seems like the everyday reality for young women. Then we get to see what is considered “normal,” and why our young protagonist Inhyung is so desperate to change.

We get to see the young girl’s classmate, who looks much like her. But every adult and authority figure has a very different look. Their faces are round and smooth, except for the thin bridge of the nose leading to a pointed tip and a similarly pointed chin. Everyone seems to get plastic surgery in this society – some even get it for their dogs. But as Inhyung finds out, not every surgery is the same.

Thanks to Lisa McColgan of the Stay Scary podcast for the suggestion! You can hear me talk with Lisa and co-host Yinh Kiefer about “Medical Monstrosities” on EP8, out now!