Trey Edward Shults', Waves (2019)

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.

"Double Exposure Hands" Photo, courtesy of Pinterest

Sam -- A 30-year-old Black man wrestling with his sense of identity. Timid and prone to retreating into himself, he dissociates when faced with uncomfortable situations or his own anxieties. The more he suppresses his concerns, the more power he gives to a growing, malevolent force inside him. His increasing exhaustion and paranoia blur the lines between reality and nightmare, drawing him into a surreal, waking terror. Sam’s journey is one of self-discovery and trust as he navigates the complexities of Black identity, authenticity, and vulnerability, all while battling a nightmarish force that threatens to consume him entirely.

Evelyn -- A 29-year-old woman who exudes affection and understanding toward everyone she meets. Her empathic nature often leads her to absorb the pain of others, prompting her to seek solace in solitude and substance use. As Sam grows increasingly distant, Evelyn becomes suspicious, sensing he is hiding something from her. Torn between the comfort of their codependency and the hidden horrors of her partner, Evelyn wrestles with existential questions about love and trust. Can she truly rely on a man who isn’t fully open with her? Her journey delves into the grey areas of love, challenging her wisdom, empathy, and the very foundation of their relationship.

The Entity -- A metaphysical embodiment of Sam’s repressed emotions, this sleep demon thrives on his dissociation and unresolved trauma. A shadow-self lurking in the depths of his subconscious, it grows stronger with every suppressed thought and unspoken fear. Manifesting in both dreams and waking nightmares, The Entity feeds on Sam’s anxiety and depression, representing a comfort zone of despair that has become all too familiar. Its presence forces Sam to confront a painful dilemma: continue clinging to the safety of his internal demons or venture into the uncertain, terrifying path of self-discovery. As it tightens its grip, The Entity becomes both tormentor and test, symbolizing the inner battle Sam must face to break free.

Jordan Peele's, "Us" (2019)

Horror as a genre uniquely captures the essence of Black Existentialism, revealing how societal pressures and historical trauma shape our understanding of self and identity. The fear of the unknown, amplified by the experience of being Black in a world that often renders one invisible, creates a landscape where the monstrous becomes a metaphor for internal struggles. In this space, horror transforms into a medium of revelation, where the unseen can be acknowledged, and silent suffering is given a voice.

Our camera becomes a lens into the Black experience, serving as both a witness and a silent antagonist. Through stylized, deliberate choices, it transforms dread into something almost palpable. Slow zoom-ins build suffocating tension, while extreme close-ups immerse viewers in the claustrophobic descent of our protagonist. Acting as a silent observer that often feels malevolent, the camera fosters a pervasive sense of paranoia, heightening the unsettling sensation of being watched. With stark contrasts—sometimes bordering on the darkly comedic—and layered symbolism, even mundane objects take on sinister significance, amplifying the film’s haunting impact.

Production design plays a crucial role in mirroring the characters' inner turmoil and the creeping horror of their new home. The house, like their relationship, is vast and full of potential yet feels empty and uninhabited, with moving boxes scattered throughout open spaces, subtly hinting that things are not as they seem. Dimly lit interiors and pervasive shadows evoke mystery and dread, while bursts of vivid color and natural sunlight punctuate key moments, emphasizing the story’s supernatural undertones. This contrast between light and dark enriches the film’s eerie, atmospheric tone, immersing the audience further into its haunting world.

Panos Cosmatos', "Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)

Anxiety: Deadening portrays anxiety as an unseen force that feeds on Sam’s internal fears, particularly his fear of vulnerability. For Black men, societal expectations often demand a stoic, unemotional demeanor, leaving little room for expressions of anxiety or distress. The film explores how this suppression gives rise to a growing, uncontrollable presence that not only distorts Sam’s sense of self but also threatens to consume his life.

Dissociation: Sam’s dissociation is depicted as a lifelong coping mechanism, reflecting how many Black men are conditioned to disconnect from their emotions in order to survive in a world that offers little empathy. The film reveals how this disconnection from self manifests in Sam’s mental health struggles, as he faces an identity crisis that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. Through Sam’s journey, Deadening highlights the devastating impact of emotional absence, both on oneself and on those who love you.

Therapy: The film approaches therapy as both a challenge and a path to healing for Sam, who, like many Black men, grapples with the stigma of seeking help for mental health struggles. Through couple’s therapy sessions, Sam is encouraged to confront his fears of emotional vulnerability and inadequacy. Deadening underscores how therapy provides the language and tools for communication, helping Sam address the deep-rooted traumas long silenced by societal pressures.

Malachi Moore

Writer/Director of DEADENING

Throughout my life, change has been a constant companion, manifesting in various forms—shifts in environment, painful experiences of loss, sacrifice, and unprecedented world events. Discovering one’s identity within such chaos has been a paradoxical journey of growth, where beauty and horror often coexist. The allure of transformation and self-preservation remains elusive, impossible to fully articulate in words alone. It’s the desire to capture these complexities and share them with others that has ignited the flame of inspiration for Deadening.

This project was born from a desire to confront these complexities and challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. In a culture that imposes toxic ideals of masculinity, Black men are particularly burdened by limiting stereotypes that shape both public perception and their own self-understanding.

These stereotypes leave Black men struggling in silence, unsure of how to express their emotions or navigate their internal battles.

Through Deadening, I aim to break this silence by providing a platform for authentic expression. Drawing from personal experience, this project seeks to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote a compassionate understanding of Black men’s emotional lives. By reflecting what healthy communication can look like, Deadening contributes to a larger conversation about mental health, demonstrating that transformation begins when we create space for Black men to speak, be heard, and heal.

"Untitled" Photo, courtesy of Pinterest

We are incredibly grateful for your support, and while our initial goal of $20,000 covers the bare minimum needed to get Deadening off the ground (fair wages for cast and crew, equipment, and location costs), we are excited to share how reaching stretch goals will elevate the film’s production, post-production, and outreach. Every extra dollar helps us make this project the best it can be!

Stretch Goal 1: $20,000 – Expanded Production Team

Purpose: With this additional funding, we can bring on more talented crew members, raise wages for those already on board, and improve the quality of our production. This is critical to ensuring we have a well-rounded team and an efficient, smooth shoot.

Stretch Goal 2: $22,000 – Higher-Quality Post-Production

Purpose: This funding will allow us to invest in crucial post-production services to ensure Deadening is polished and ready for distribution.

• Hire a professional Sound Designer to create a rich and immersive audio experience.
• Work with experienced Editors to ensure tight, impactful storytelling.
• Provide Color Grading services to give the film a high-quality, cinematic look.

Stretch Goal 3: $25,000 – Film Festival Submissions & Travel

Purpose: This stretch goal is vital for getting Deadening in front of industry professionals and the broader audience. Film festivals play an important role in a film’s success, and with this funding, we can submit to top-tier festivals and cover the travel costs for our team to attend and promote the film.

• Submit to top-tier film festivals like Screamfest, Fantastic Fest, SXSW and more.
• Cover travel expenses for the team to attend festivals, network with other filmmakers, and promote the film in person.

Your contribution makes a real difference. Each stretch goal allows us to improve the quality of the film and helps every creative on the project take one step closer to advancing their career in the industry.

Thank you for taking the time to check out our crowdfund! Besides donating to our film, you can follow us on Seed & Spark and our Instagram. You can also help in supporting us by sharing our campaign through social media or with friends and family. With your help, we can get Deadening off the ground and running!