Thank you for all the kind comments. A bit crass, I know, but if you liked this film, you might like some of the books I've also written. Search your favourite retailer for my name. My most recent, THE HOUSE OF ASHES, is probably the closest to this in style.

I love that he went in there thinking he was manipulating her when he was the one being manipulated. Beautiful! Also loved it when the husband was making sure she was absolutely positive about him "staying for dinner" because at that moment I knew he was not only stay for but was dinner. 😁😆

I could just listen to them converse back and forth all day.

CLASSIC. A tasty murder story with an Irish twist. Loved everything about this. From the oily, conman preacher, with a penchant for killing his victims, to the farmer and his wife so well cast and believable. Even the farmhouse room was perfect, decrepit, peeling and dark, with ominous undertones. I'm so glad they managed to keep up their protein intake for their ongoing wellbeing. Long may they succeed. Another winner from Alter.

Thanks so much for all your very kind comments on our film. We're delighted with the response - and thanks so much to Alter for inviting us to be a part of the family :) Who wants veal??

He met two delightful wolves in sheep's clothing, the poor lamb. 😂 Kudos to everyone involved in this wonderful piece and thanks for uploading!

These short horror films usually rely on some crazy overdone monster to get you to click on the video (not complaining - some of them are very well done and original). I knew right away that this one was different. The dialogue was brilliant; the characters spoke to one another as you would expect them to without a camera in their faces. All of the actors did their part to keep me committed to the story. Whoever was responsible for this great piece, I would love to see another!

i totally love the way the actors speak. it's clear and such a nice tone.

The emotional arc and interpersonal subtlety of this story is really lovely. The traveling misionary Ivan, who shaves closely and fancies himself quite sharp, although his razor is not nearly as sharp as the simple table knife the Taggarts keep at their table to spread butter. He is "not affiliated with any church," which means there is nobody to whom he is accountable and nobody to vouch for his character. He greets repeatedly at the Taggarts' door, merely repeating himself when the lady of the house repeatedly tells him they have no beef. When she greets him, he insists he is not selling anything but wishes only to speak to them about Christ. He presses her for her name, but does not give her his own. She takes the measure of Ivan, and lets him inside. If we see the traveler as the predator, than this seems like a weakness in her defense, but as we come to learn she let him inside because she decided he looked tasty. He asks her many questions about her family, but a close listener will realize that he is trying to figure out how many people live in the home. He learns that their parents are dead and they have no children, meaning they are few enough in number that he may be able to murder and rob them before continuing on his way. Presumably, if there were a lot of people he would be hoping for a meal and a donation. Mrs. Taggart offers him tea, which invites him to get comfortable. This looks like hospitality, but really she's just keeping him busy until Mr. Taggart comes inside. He boasts of his travels, and she acts very impressed. He confirms she has no children, and that Danny Tole, the neighbor who sometimes helps Mr. Taggart, is not around. Mrs. Taggart learns that Ivan's wife is dead of malaria, and that he is a father. (Nobody will be looking for him, either.) At this moment, Mr. Taggart comes inside having finished his work. Mr. Taggart makes a very different impression, and at first glance seems like the less friendly of the Taggarts. He jokingly offers his blood-drenched hands for a handshake, then asks Ivan the missionary to where he has traveled. Unlike his wife, Mr. Taggart takes Ivan up on his bold claim that he's been anywhere they might think to name. Rather than naming whole continents, Mr. Taggart names three specific cities, of which Ivan can't confirm having been to any. (If he's not a missionary, then it would be to his advantage to keep his stories very vague, lest somebody ask him for details about a city to which they've both been.) Mr. Taggart calls Ivan out for his boastfulness, and Ivan retorts that he wouldn't have boasted if Mr. Taggart hadn't inquired. Mr. Taggart asks him to leave, which in hindsight was actually a gesture of mercy - he was going to call out his presumption and then show him the door, thus letting him live. Ivan wants to stay for that veal, though, and brings up that Mrs. Taggart had invited him to stay for dinner. Mr. Taggart is surprised at this, and asks her if she is *certain.* She is. Ivan appears to have decided against trying to overpower them, since he starts fishing for a monetary donation, "to support God's work." Mr. Taggart takes umbrage to the request, and while Ivan is distracted Mrs. Taggart knocks him out. In hindsight, Mr. Taggart might be the more physically dominating figure, but Mrs. Taggart is the more ruthless of the two. Mr. Taggart did not pretend to be impresse by Ivan, and was willing to send him on his way. Mrs. Taggart made a show of friendliness, though, because they were out of beef and she thought he looked worth butchering for his meat. She may have also sensed that he was untrustworthy, and taken some pleasure in bullshitting a bullshitter. I could enjoy this one many times. It is marvelously written, scored, shot, and acted. Everybody involved did a fantastic job with this short story.

The man that plays Da also plays Lord Varys in the game of thrones, fantastic contrast of accent and an incredibly talented actor.

Man what amazing acting, I'm here before the ending but I just had to express my gratitude for the acting here it's brilliant!

Best one yet!!! From the acting to the story. Could watch Ma and Da Taggert all day!! Absolutely loved them!!

Sorry, but this film was effing terrific! From the second He opened his eyes, I knew he was a wrong un. Then, when Ma whacks him over the head, I’m jumping for joy. Classic case of a big fish being eaten by a bigger fish. Congratulations to all involved, this was fantastic entertainment.

As a taggart this made me extra uncomfortable. Knowing a bit about my own family history, cannibalism was known with the first Taggart (actually TsTaggart. Through the years it changed to taggart. Also my family is Scottish and Irish) and i was really thrown off when I realized they said Taggart cuz I'm like dude that's not that common of a last name

Conleth is such a brilliant actor that I didn't even recognize good old Lord Varys until the very end. Great short!

I love the subtle irony of the traveler calling himself a missionary. Made me immediately think of the old stereotype of the missionary standing in a huge boiling pot.

More Irish horror, please.

When they start laughing, I knew Ivan wasn't leaving...great film

It took me way too long to realize Da is played by Conleth Hill! WONDERFUL performance by everyone! It's not the jumpscares that are scary, it's atmosphere and you all DELIVERED! BRAVO!!

I'm a retired butcher of 26 years. This hits home! Not actually physically eating people, but just the thought. When times get rough you do what you have to do. I've butchered some wildly different animals in my life.

That there is called karma being escalated perfectly… I honestly thought he was the one that was gonna minipulate the wife and husband but turns out that karma is a bitch and he’s the one who got played hahaha… just loving these short horror

This is why I don’t believe uninvited guest, or new neighbors. Take yo ass back home!! No, I don’t want to get to know you!!! And I don’t answer my door or phone…because I don’t want to!!! 😂😂😂

Oh lord, the accents. I'm in love.

brilliant. 20 minutes that felt like 1h30m but in the good way. very well done!

That was an unexpected ending hahaha! I loved the story; it was brilliant as the tables were turned in this one. The plot was great, and the cast was amazing. Thank you for the upload. I look forward to your future work!

The reason I'm leaving my comment is because this was One of the best short horror movies Alter has made. Love it!

Awesome!!!!! Freaking loved the irony of the hunted became the hunters! 10/10!!!

Everything is in the right timing! Especially the conflict escalation, to me it's like "a meal with all the right ingredients of the right measure, temperature, etc", well done!!

I love the accents! Love Alter! On my way to watch more….

Total masterpiece! A perfect short film! When 'Varys' then arrived, it was really a big surprise! Great Conleth Hill! Great everyone!

This short horror film was 1000 times better than "X"!!!! Well done!!!

I didn't see that coming. Excellent acting by all.

Christ....for darkness, perversity and originality this has it all...i really didn't see it coming when the farmer's wife clobbered the preacher....but even before that, the dark, unsettling, awkward atmosphere was perfectly set and managed....bravo, this was a superb short.

Great screenwriting and acting. Did not expect that ending.

I'm honestly in shock... That ending was a big twist and I absolutely loved it 🥰Bravo to the creator of this tale, great work and very unexpected.

Thank you so much for putting so much effort into your films it amazes me how well you do overtime. Looking forward for more!

Now I’m going down an Alter rabbit hole. ❤

What??? Outstanding film. Every beat is perfect. Actors, brilliant. The menace is palpable. Loved it.

Soooooo good. I was watching their conversation and so drawn into watching for all the hints. Figured where it was ossibly going but the dialog was still sucking me in i didn't know who would owvrtake who honestly. I felt like I was watching a movie for a long period by the half way point. Great work!!! Bravisimo!!!!!

Right from the E.C. playbook, classic stuff! Tight script, superb acting, well shot, edited, and scored! Kudos! P. S. Thanks, Alter...

Just Awesome. One of the best Alter's I've seen & there have been lots of good ones. The casting was awesome. All three played their part perfectly. Thank you. Very entertaining.

Brilliant! I was glued from beginning to the end. I loved it. 😊

I absolutely love the accents! This was absolutely brilliant! Brilliant! Crazy that some of these shorts blow these big name production theatre movies out of the water! And it’s awesome to see Conley Hill! He’s a fantastic actor!

Omg I totally called that from the moment she invited him in, I had a feeling in my gut that she had interior motives for sure

I loved this one! Outstanding acting and on of the best from Alter!

One of the very BEST I've seen in ALTER! Thank you so much for the experience :)

Just one small detail, Malaysia was only officially a country in 1963. So if the premise in the story is based on the early days of electricity in the British Isles, Peninsular Malaysia would have still been known as MALAYA. But overall, I enjoyed the visual narrative, good pace and the acting is top notch!

And to think...a thieving necrophiliac and cutthroat cannibals can all join together and supp in the mighty name of the good Lord!!!

my jaw dropped when she said "in africa.... the darkies" like ma'am *clutched pearls*

Excellent.Really enjoyed watching.The actors 10/10 for a great performance 👏

It's hard to me to understand the Irish accent, but I love it!

Nicely done. Among the best I've seen on Alter so far. Bravo!

Conleth!!! I love him! All very good actors here, wow.

I think it’s a nice and eloquent touch that they each casually avoided shaking his hand. But maybe I’m reading too much into it.

Well, we need to admit, the couple are real soulmates

Very well done film. I did believe the man of . . . would loose his words. Excellent acting, script, photography and mine-en-scene.

I love it when the serial killer meets his match.

Precisely the twist I was hoping for. love these shorts.

Can't get enough, thank you very much.!

This was amazing such perfect acting .the accents I could listen to all day myself love ma and da

This film was so entertaining! I loved the story, the acting, the twist! So good!

Her accent is 1 of a kind, love it

'The Good Word' is brilliant work.

I can not explain why I found the shaving part so satisfying

Great story. Refreshing to see a focus on story and characters.

In love with their acting

Such a dark twist of events, totally unexpected. I like how the "preacher" meets his match, I was actually waiting for the opposite. Great movie!

great acting, i love the plot, the characters, the conversation, i think it's perfect, oh the Irish accent,,thats cool!

That was the best alter film yet 10 trillion stars

Oh my days that was amazing!! The atmosphere!! ☘️🤍☘️🤍☘️🤍☘️🤍

Amazing short film. Great acting!!!!

“Black man, brown man, yellow man and Redman!” What about Methodman???? 😅

Brilliant short story!! I enjoyed it!!

Totally fabulous - from beginning to end.

Alter rocks with another fine piece of short**** loved the music the cinematography **** actors terrific ❤️❤️❤️

Oh Lord Varys. Look at you now! King of your own little cottage and butcher shop 🎉😂

Well done! Intriguing story line.

What an excellent piece of work... thank you

This is one of the best I've watched on this channel 😮

From BANGLADESH 🇧🇩❤️

Even though I knew it was coming, that clobbering scene was probably the scariest jump scare I've ever experienced.

Spooky, I didn't see ma's hit coming. Lol great acting, great short

Great twist & fun interplay between them all especial Ma. At least we now no Where's the Beef !!!!

I love this. thank you!

I knew what would happen, but it still chilled me!

Excellent! A very good movie.

Her:There's chalks in the back Him:Hello? Her: There's chalks in the back Him:hello? Her:THERES CHALK IN THE BACK Him:helo? Her:Is this man stupid

This is strangely…wholesome? It’s become so rare to see depictions of happy married couples. Who cares if they’re crazy cannibals?

Wow! That was amazing short film

Fabulous, saw it coming, but that didn't make it any less brilliant, just more horrifying, Bravo.....great acting/directing/cinematography.

I love how nervous he got when they knew he was up to some.. NOT TOO SMOOTH ARE YOU 😭😭😭😭🤣

Karma is always best served fresh.

Brilliant twist!

This was AMAZING!!

Short and sweet, loved it!!

Wow. That was top notch. Loved it.

This is one of the best i have watched in this awsome channeo,thank you❤

These are great, and I hope for more

Great cinematography, script n soundtrack

Diabolical!!! NICE!!!