1. "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" (2011):
- This 11-minute short film revolves around a family gathering that takes a disturbing turn.
- It displays Aster's ability to create an unsettling atmosphere through ordinary settings and subtle hints of horror.
- The film won the Special Jury Prize for Short Filmmaking at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival.
2. "Munchausen" (2013):
- A 16-minute short film about a mother and son with Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
- Aster effectively builds tension and psychological unease through the characters' interactions and the depiction of their dysfunctional relationship.
- "Munchausen" was recognized at several film festivals, including the Brooklyn Film Festival and the Rhode Island International Film Festival.
3. "The Turtle's Head" (2014):
- A 28-minute short film that combines elements of horror, drama, and psychological thriller.
- The film follows a group of friends spending a weekend at a secluded cabin and confronting their inner demons.
- It showcases Aster's skill at creating complex characters and exploring their emotional turmoil and underlying fears.
Aster's short films reveal his penchant for crafting suspenseful and unsettling narratives, utilizing symbolism and allegory to convey deeper themes and emotions. The success and recognition he achieved through these short films paved the way for his transition into feature-length filmmaking and ultimately contributed to his rise as a prominent horror director in contemporary cinema.