As the audience, we follow Detective Harvey Reynolds through what seems to be another average day on the job. He kisses his wife goodbye and heads to the office to prepare for a press conference. We soon learn that a series of unexplained disappearances has started to spark concern from his department. A trusted colleague confronts him about the possibility of a serial killer in their quiet town, and begs him to alert the public. Harvey acknowledges his partner's concerns, but reasons with him that it's still too early to jump to conclusions. He knows that it will cause more harm than good to alarm residents without hard proof of danger.

Though Harvey is quietly concerned about the possibility of a killer in their midst, it soon comes to light that there is more on his mind- a painful question that haunts his dreams. Later that evening, he goes to the bridge where his daughter's body was found almost a decade earlier. In the darkness, he speaks with his daughter's ghost, pleading with her to reveal the person who took her life. Unfortunately, the dead cannot inform the living.

Harvey ends his night at the bar he always goes to when he wishes to be alone. While he's there, a clue presents itself, as if by some supernatural intervention. With this new lead on his radar, he rushes to investigate further. Is it possible that this recent string of disappearances and his daughter's killer could be related?

Why Sherill?

From writer/director Sherill Quinn: As a kid, I was fascinated by Alfred Hitchcock movies. I loved the way subtle hints would be dropped into the dialogue like breadcrumbs and what seemed so innocent at first would gradually lead the protagonist to a nightmarish discovery. The best part about these films was that they were never far off from real life. Sure, they were fiction, but never out of the realms of possibility. That was what made the journey so interesting (and terrifying). As a storyteller, I want to take audiences on a journey that keeps them guessing at every turn and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts.

Why This and Why Now?

In a time where cancel culture tends to paint people in a narrow light, it's important to remember that nobody is a two-dimensional character. When Fighting Monsters reminds us to not jump to conclusions about the people we come in contact with from day to day. If you look a little deeper, there is always more beneath the surface. You never know what someone else is going through, so keep an open mind and an open heart.

Transparency and Stretch Goals

We are picture wrapped and are now entering the post production phase. All money contributed will go directly to post production. This includes editing, color grading, music, post sound editing, and submitting to film festivals. If we're able to raise above our target of $9,000, our Stretch Goals are to use the extra funding to target more film festivals and to be able to host an in-person Friends & Backers screening with a follow-up Q&A.

When Fighting Monsters draws a lot of inspiration from films like Silence of the Lambs, Prisoners and Presumed Innocent. One key ingredient that connects these productions is the way the camera becomes a character in the story and gives the audience a window through which to find their own clues. This way of storytelling is so powerful because it allows the audience to find pieces of themselves in the story, instead of being told how to feel about it.

Thank You!

We want to thank you for taking the time to view our Seed & Spark page! If you can't pledge, don't sweat it- you can still help by sharing on social media and telling your friends about us. It makes a huge difference and your support means the world to us!

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