THE SEEKER - Award Winning Short Horror

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:18:03 +0000

Two sisters return to their childhood home and are drawn into a nightmarish realm where they’re hunted by a monstrous doppelgänger of their late father—forcing them to confront the buried trauma he left behind and a horrifying truth. The film is an emotionally charged exploration of repressed trauma and the monsters we inherit. Blending supernatural horror with psychological depth, The Seeker offers a chilling study on the cost of survival and the power of facing the past.

Written and Directed by: Matt Sears

Starring
Kelsey Cooke
Emma O'Dwyer
David Houston

DOP: Tim Knight
Sound Design: Izaak Buffin
Music: Iz Svemira
Colorist: Michael Pearce
Post: Matt Sears

Directors statement:
The Seeker is a deeply personal film born from a period of emotional upheaval in my own life. Writing this story became a way to explore the complex effects unresolved trauma has on an individual and the ripple effects it has on relationships.

Harriet’s journey in the film serves as a metaphor for therapy itself: a confrontation with buried memories and the pain of healing. This emotional process influenced the visual language of the film, manifesting in a red, nightmarish world that represents the evolving and often distorted nature of memory.

Although The Seeker is rooted in personal reflection, I was acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with portraying trauma, particularly that stemming from abuse—an experience I have not personally endured. To ensure the film was authentic and respectful, I sought out the perspectives and insights of abuse survivors during development. Their generosity and honesty were instrumental in shaping the film’s emotional core.

While the film does not shy away from discomfort, I hope its ultimate message resonates with viewers: that confronting trauma, however painful, is essential for healing and the rebuilding of healthy relationships.