Australian director Jayden Creighton brings uncooked, human horror to the display with The Matriarch, a movie that threads dependancy, abuse, and survival right into a pulse-pounding debut. Distributed by Slated, the function will hit main TVOD platforms together with Amazon Prime, Apple iTunes, and Google Play on June 10, 2025.
<div class=”mv-video-target mv-video-id-tNW2cmfhF3eY1ROsSliP” data-video-id=”tNW2cmfhF3eY1ROsSliP” data-ratio=”16:9″ ></div>
Artistic Course of & Inspiration
“The thought got here to me nearly instantly.” Jayden Creighton explains how The Matriarch was born from a contest across the theme “mom,” and additional fueled by real-life circumstances involving familial abuse and complicity.
“There’s a darkish ‘Rural Australian’ kind of humor.” Although Creighton’s private life diverges from his protagonist Missy’s, he drew from the eerie stillness of his hometown, particularly post-flood, to set the tone.
“Working with a toddler actress was an enormous inventive threat.” Juliette Greenfield, solid as Missy, had no formal performing expertise, however her emotional depth sealed the deal.
Hidden depths reveal
“Quick movies gave me the sandbox to experiment.” Creighton credit his shorts and net sequence for giving him the abilities—and crew—to execute a function debut on a decent finances.
“My mind is a sponge for all issues horror.” Creighton attracts on influences starting from John Carpenter to Fede Alvarez, with stylistic nods to Hooper, Raimi, and Kubrick.
Characters & Themes
“Casting was every part.” Creighton says of Juliette’s emotionally wealthy portrayal of Missy, which anchors the movie.
“We made ours a darkish, home drama.” Avoiding gratuitous depictions, he stored the trauma grounded in emotional realism.
“Juliette introduced her personal resilience to the position.” Her efficiency was formed by means of deep character discussions and on-set mentorship.
Uncover what lies beneath
“Annette actually does dominate her household.” The title The Matriarch references not only a matrilineal head—however one steeped in toxicity.
“A harrowing household portrait throughout three generations.” Creighton’s curiosity wasn’t in romance, however energy, envy, and intergenerational trauma.
Forged & Collaboration
“There was an power within the room.” On casting, Creighton reunites with frequent collaborators and discovers a breakout in Greenfield.
“We function on an identical wavelength.” With DP Matthew Martin, he crafts visible pressure by escalating from stillness to handheld chaos.
“Sound can generally be extra vital than visuals.” Michael Drew’s rating and Michael Monaco’s sound design heighten dread, turning environment right into a visceral expertise.
Thriller waits inside
“Life imitating artwork.” A neighbor’s protest with Jehovah’s Witness music and a hatchet practically derailed manufacturing—till she backed down.
“One foot in entrance of the opposite.” Balancing director, producer, and editor roles required belief in his workforce and the flexibility to compartmentalize.
Manufacturing & Distribution
“Bonalbo is like an previous Hollywood backlot.” The agricultural shoot supplied each isolation and resourcefulness, regardless of cellphone blackouts.
“I’m transferring mountains I used to need to climb.” Competition acclaim has introduced recognition from beforehand detached circuits.
“Their enthusiasm was infectious.” Creighton discovered a champion in Slated, who found the movie by way of its IMDb key artwork.
Past the acquainted gentle
“Don’t rely solely on festivals.” He advises filmmakers to construct followings outdoors the standard circuit to take care of momentum.
“I used to be going to stay and die alone sword.” With no reshoot finances, inventive management got here by necessity—and resolve.
Horror & Influence
“The darkish aspect of human nature will be terrifying.” Creighton avoids the supernatural in favor of intimate, human evil.
“Juliette’s screams have been completely harrowing.” One harm scene within the movie left an enduring impression—even on the editor.
“I feel this one ends with a bow on it.” Whereas a by-product was imagined as a gag, Creighton considers The Matriarch an entire story.
Unveiled truths await you
“Perhaps the movie will remind folks to intervene.” By highlighting indicators of home abuse, Creighton hopes horror sparks consciousness.
“I’m nonetheless having quite a lot of enjoyable with the style.” His subsequent script leans extra supernatural, with greater motion and a extra playful tone.
The Matriarch is produced by Duckpond Productions. Trailer accessible right here.
Observe Jayden Creighton’s manufacturing firm at Instagram, Fb, and YouTube.
For extra about Slated, go to get.slated.com.