All graphics edited without the use of Generative AI.

The idea for Chain Link Swings came from my personal experience at the ages of 13 to 15. More specifically, from a trip I took to Texas to visit my family friend who had just moved out there. Adolescence is difficult enough, so the added perversion of nurture makes it impossible for kids to grow up with clarity.

The film is about how the systems put in place to protect children could also destroy them, all while the people behind those systems believe they’re doing the right thing.

It follows Peter, while he's visiting an old family friend, who slowly unravels the haunting truth about his friend's mother's involvement with a cult, and how he's their next victim.

ACT I: The Swings and The Wine

After and his mother Anna arrive at Leina and her daughter Sam's home. Despite Leina's odd reluctance, Sam takes Peter to the park nearby. Anna and Leina drink wine together while Peter and Sam chat on the swing set. Anna asks Leina about her life and work, but Leina dodges questions and give vague answers. Meanwhile, Sam speaks to Peter with a reflective, existential tone, as if warning him of something, or asking him for help.

This act builds dread and suspicion slowly, leaving breadcrumbs of what's to come.

ACT II: Juvenescence

Back at the house, Peter and Sam are confronted by Leina in the hallway, who suggests they go back to the park. Peter lands in the middle of a bizarre standoff between mother and daughter. Sam pushes past Leina, dragging Peter into her room. In a sudden act of hopelessness and exhaustion, Sam explains the horrific truth behind her family and upbringing, to Peters disbelief. In an attempt to convince him she's telling the truth, she sends him into a vision of Juvenescence, a dreamworld where the harsh realities of the world are manifested into dreadful encounters. After navigating Juvenescence, Peter ends up back in Sam's room, where she's nowhere to found.

This act raises the stakes dramatically, positioning Peter in a place with no control over his fate.

ACT III: Peter's Retribution

Now alone, Peter makes his way downstairs, where Leina waits for him. By taking advantage of his disorientation and fatigue, she leads him to the park. There, a cult awaits him and begins his initiation.

This act ends the film in a polarizing, cathartic climax, aiming to leave the audience breathless and introspective.

The film draws inspiration from The VVitch with its restraint, Hereditary with its tone, and Coraline with its childlike perspective.

This short film is the first stepping stone for this story. With this, we plan to go to markets and pitch this short film as a concept for a feature. Your investment now means we could potentially make an entire feature-length movie. Thank you for your support, and thank you for believing in independent filmmaking.

No matter how much money we raise, every cent will be spent on enhancing the vision of the story. This comes in multiple forms:

Cast and Crew Raises

While we are going to be paying a lot of cast and crew, many people are still volunteering to work on this short film. Additional funds would help us pay these people for all of the hard work and time they spend on this project.

Post Production Enhancement

This includes VFX opportunities for the final product, especially in juvenescence, and the ending confrontation scene at the park. We would also hire a colorist to establish the tone of each frame.

Gear Upgrades

Amplifying the look of the film is very important to us to increase the production value. With more money, we would be able to achieve a more visually rich film. We would upgrade our lighting, on-set sound equipment, camera rigs, and more.