Maggie and The Monster
2023
Maggie visits a distant friend in hopes of finding solace from the bizarre terrors that plague her.
In this short, I wanted to explore the psychological fallout of trauma and the ways it can manifest in something as simple as a conversation between friends. The hope was that through character and dialogue, we could invite the audience into Maggie's terror, as her waking nightmare unfolds in real time.
This short is a glimpse into something much larger that’s looming on the horizon. Stay tuned.
Runtime - 15 minutes
Written/Directed by Justin Suttles
ACCOLADES
Featured on OMELETO
“Written and directed by Justin Suttles, the film is gripping, sinister and absorbing. Visually shrouded in shadows with lurking, creeping camerawork, it's also a powerful metaphor for the isolation that those with mental health struggles or differences can feel from the world around them, especially when friends and family see them as defective -- and are also unwilling to talk and listen openly. "Maggie and the Monster" has a finale that fulfills the promise of its dark visuals and horror film stylings, building up suspense into a chilling climax. But the film differentiates itself from more rote exercises in craft with its deep psychological insight, thanks to richly drawn characters, thoughtful craftsmanship and terrific performances.” - Kat Ascharya, Omeleto
