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Logline

Haunted by anxieties he’s long ignored, a reserved Black man finds his psyche transformed into a twisted nightmare where his hidden fears take on a monstrous life, jeopardizing his relationship and his grip on reality.

Synopsis

In their idyllic new home, Sam and Evelyn’s relationship faces unspoken challenges, as the pressures of cohabitation begin to reveal the complex dynamics of their interracial relationship. During a couple’s therapy session, Sam admits to a deep-seated fear: the possibility of losing Evelyn if he shares the full weight of his mental struggles and anxieties.

Under the immense pressure to maintain an ideal image of himself as the perfect partner, Sam’s suppression of his reality begins to take on a life of its own. This dissociation manifests as a malevolent presence, a sleep demon that feeds on his avoidance and grows stronger the more he represses his feelings.

As the entity erodes Sam’s sense of reality, he struggles to bridge the emotional distance between himself and Evelyn. Despite several failed attempts, Sam ultimately acknowledges how his lifelong dissociation has fractured his identity. In a final reckoning, he confronts the emotional toll this has taken on both himself and their relationship.

Deadening offers a poignant exploration of love, trust, and the consequences of avoiding vulnerability. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the profound strength required to confront our truths—with ourselves and with those we love.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Malachi Moore — Writer/Director
Malachi Moore is an independent writer and director based in Los Angeles, CA. His work traverses the realms of Black Existentialism, Surrealism, and the transformative nature of change, with a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives. Having journeyed across the country, he has immersed himself in diverse walks of life and perspectives on American culture. His gothic style and nuanced voice are deeply rooted in a longstanding passion for philosophical fiction and Sci-Fi/Horror films. His stories illuminate both the beauty and horrors of metamorphosis, reflecting a fascination with the duality of human experience. An award-winning filmmaker and published author, Malachi continues to evolve as an artist, striving to convey a distinct and nuanced perspective of the Black experience. He is also a dedicated traveler, mentor, and perpetual student, constantly seeking new ways to expand his creative horizons.

Hae Ji Cho — Producer
Hae Ji Cho (she/her) is a Korean Brazilian American writer, director, and producer currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Her creative work shines light on the beauty and grief within the endless contradictions and peculiarities found in the human experience, which is reflected in her films Birthday Dinner and All Meat Diet. She is the recipient of the 2024 Voices With Impact Grant and her films are the official selection of the Micheaux Film Festival, NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival, AltFF Alternative Film Festival (awarded for Best Drama North America), and more.

With a BA in Film from Emerson College, she pursued a career in the entertainment industry where she has worked in both scripted and unscripted media. Through her work, she has interviewed hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds to learn about their lives and their passions. These opportunities have led her to projects that have received nominations for the Clio Awards, Webby Awards, and Shorty Awards.

Megan Darling — Producer
Megan Darling is an experienced film producer, known for bringing compelling stories of all genres to life. Passionate about crew, independent filmmaking, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard, Darling started the art-first production company Plan Ahead Studios with their husband, David. Their last film, C.U.L.T., is set to make its debut at several festivals, and they are excited to see how it resonates with audiences and the festival circuit.

Kristen Semedo — Producer
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies from Arizona State University and is a screenwriter, script analyst, and Local 44 property master residing in Los Angeles. She is the writer and director of the short horror film Vermin. Her short screenplay, Deadlock, was recently named an official Filmquest ’24 Short Screenplay selection and finalist.

Her love of horror is the cornerstone of her filmography. Since childhood, Kristen has been emphatic about the entire genre, from haunted houses to high-brow arthouse films. She’s also known for her Property Master work on Destroy All Neighbors (Directed by Josh Forbes and starring Alex Winter & Jonah Ray Rodriguez,) Scott Derrickson’s segment on V/H/S/85, and Aporia (Directed by Jared Moshe.)

Brook Lee Karner — Cinematographer
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Brook Lee Karner is a transmasculine cinematographer originally from Miami, FL. He discovered his passion for filmmaking while studying Political Science and Philosophy as an undergraduate at Florida International University. Karner went on to refine his craft at Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts, earning an MFA in Film Production with a specialization in cinematography in 2021, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A proud member of ICG Local 600, Karner has earned recognition as an Emerging Cinematographer Award Honoree. His impressive portfolio includes work on acclaimed productions such as Night Swim (2024), Theater Camp (2023), All Meat Diet (2024), and Knox Goes Away (2023).

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Contact

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