For as long as I can remember, horror movies and faith have been two threads running through the fabric of my life. This juxtaposition has always made me feel like somewhat of an outsider in both worlds, but it’s also given me a unique perspective that I’ve poured into a project called, Wretch Like Me.
Growing up as the son of a Baptist minister, my life was a fascinating blend of contrasts. Saturday nights were dedicated to exploring the eerie realms of classic thrillers and chilling horror films on 16mm film. My dad was a true connoisseur of these genres. He didn't just watch the films; he immersed us in their creation, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and special effects trivia before the credits even rolled. His vivid tales made the terrors on screen more fascinating than frightening. But come Sunday morning, his passionate sermons offered a comforting counterpoint to the shadows of the night before, bridging the gap between two seemingly disconnected worlds. (You can read more about this in previous blogs HERE.)
But as I grew older and ventured into the world of filmmaking, I quickly realized that my love of horror films, a genre that explores the darkest corners of human fear, often set me apart from so many others in the Christian community. And conversely, my deep-seated faith is often met with skepticism in the horror community, which typically doesn’t embrace themes of redemption or salvation with open arms. I have often felt like a perpetual outsider, navigating two worlds that rarely intersected.
This duality has followed me throughout my life and shaped my creative journey. As I embarked on writing and developing Wretch Like Me this conflict became even more pronounced. The film centers on Hank, a father battling malevolent forces in a desperate bid to save his daughter, all while wrestling with his own faith and the darkness that threatens to consume him. It’s a story born from a place of intense personal struggle and reflection; a unique juggling act that often seemed impossible.
My father passed away in January, a loss that shook me to my core. His absence has left a void, but it's also brought into sharp focus the purpose of my work. The struggle between horror and faith that once seemed like a stark contradiction now feels like a profound calling - a way to honor his memory and embrace the complexities of my identity. Through Wretch Like Me, I aim to showcase and celebrate the artist God shaped me to be from a young age. This film is not just a project; it's a tribute to the duality of my upbringing and a testament to the faith and creativity that my father nurtured in me. It's who I am; plain and simple.
Wretch Like Me is more than just a screenplay; it’s a personal exploration of faith amidst the horror of human desperation. The story centers on a father’s desperate quest to protect his daughter from malevolent forces that threaten to consume them both. As the terror mounts, Hank, the father, grapples with the haunting reality that his love alone might not be enough to save his child. The narrative weaves through intense horror elements and spiritual themes, ultimately showcasing the limits of human effort against supernatural darkness. Shining light into the darkest of night.
As we begin officially pitching this project, we are pleased to show an exclusive sneak peek at the "pitch deck" for the film Wretch Like Me.
As we begin officially pitching this project, we are pleased to show an exclusive sneak peek at the "proof of concept" for the film Wretch Like Me.
"A proof of concept is a concise preview of what a future project could entail, typically featuring scenes that encapsulate its concept, story, tone, and themes. While not all of the story elements contained within the preview are in the final version of the film, it serves to showcase both the potential and creative vision of its creators."
WARNING!
This trailer has profanity and violence.
Viewer discretion is advised.
This project is more than just a film; it’s a deeply personal journey through the struggle and triumph of merging two seemingly disparate worlds - horror and faith. It’s a chance to witness how these elements blend to create something truly unique, a story that feels like I’ve been steered toward my entire life.
If you want to learn more about this project, please email us at wretchlikeme@redbraille.com to find out how it yearns to create a cinematic experience like no other. We are so thankful for your continued support as we officially move forward toward production on the feature length film, Wretch Like Me, in 2025.
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