Mikes Film Talk

Heather Bayles gives us the 2026 horror film It Must Be Done. She proves that there’s Karma, and then there’s KARMA. Whether it be murky or as clear as the nose on your face, retribution is final.

Bayles shows she can “out Rodriguez” the original cottage industry man himself. This powerhouse takes on a quintuple of duties. She is Producer, director, cinematographer, editor and writer on this one. Like her previous times in the big chair, she does an admirable job on this outing.

The Story

The film starts with a downbeat message. Every 9 seconds a woman is the victim of assault or beatings. This disturbing indictment of domestic violence is pretty sordid. Crissa’s husband beats her. Her mother attempts to fix things.

It Must Be Done Main Cast

Jessica Buck is Crissa.

Mary Manos-Mitchem is Mary.

Chad Critelli is Brandon.

Floyd Ewing Jr. is Willard.

Cast is King/Queen

The casting here is almost serendipitous. Jessica Buck bears an uncanny resemblance to Anna Paquin. Mary Manos-Mitchum has a face that would not be out of place in The Searchers. Her visage is that of a pioneer woman, all pious and wind swept. Chad Critelli manages to make us dislike him intensely from first glance. Floyd Ewing Jr, is Willard. He is disturbing.

The two children, Omar Poland and Olivia Poland do well in this horrific tale of abuse and punishment.

Let’s Talk It Must Be Done

This is another of those short films that operates with layers. Viewers may want to “read between the lines” for hidden subtext. The “devout” mother is , of course, Mary. A biblical reference for sure. However this Mary is more “old testament.”

Crissa, is a variation of the living Word’s name. Her character is more new testament. She tries to find a peaceful solution to her marital problems.

Subtexts are throughout the film. These are skillfully intermixed with the story. Sadly, the one question I have is this: “What was Mary’s marriage really like?” That is all I can say without dropping a clunky spoiler here.

The FX are good. The claret (AKA; blood.) is also good. This is almost “in your face” cinema. We are with Mary in that kitchen. Later, in the dining room at Crissa’s house, we have that same feeling of being there. It is an almost raw emotional push, one that we need in order to realise the true horror here.

The Verdict

This film about marital discord and the consequences earns a solid 4 stars. It drops a full star because of the kitchen scene, the victim appears to be in the wrong place. It may just be me, but this had the effect of taking me out of the moment. However! Everything else slotted perfectly in place. The film is still on its festival run where it will, I’m sure, garner some awards.

This “eye for an eye” tale is somewhat grimly satisfying. Keep an eye out for this one. Let me know what you think. Did you see subtexts?

The Trailer