SIN IS A MONSTER
INTRODUCTION
What if the person you loved most was slipping away - and it was your fault?
Wretch Like Me is a descent into guilt, faith, and the supernatural. The monsters in the dark are no more terrifying than the ones within. Set against the urban decay of the Pacific Northwest, it follows Hank, a broken father, and Becca, the daughter he abandoned, as they confront a terror neither can escape.
This isn’t just a horror film - it’s an unflinching look at what haunts us. A story that creeps under your skin, wrapping around your deepest fears. Think the emotional rawness of Hereditary, the chilling suspense of The Conjuring, but with a soul - a heartbeat pounding louder with every scene.
Inspired by the early films of Guillermo del Toro, Wretch Like Me blends haunting visuals with raw emotion. Like The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth, it transforms horror into something deeply human, where monsters are mirrors to our struggles.
This film isn’t here just to scare you. It’s here to pull you into the darkness - and make you face what’s staring back.
FAMILY IS A HELL OF A THING
SYNOPSIS
Wretch Like Me is a horror-thriller that drags a fractured family into a battle they never saw coming - one that is as much spiritual as it is physical. A father, desperate to protect his daughter. A past that refuses to stay buried. And a darkness that feeds on their deepest fears.
Hank Powell thought he had outrun the nightmare. He was wrong. Years ago, he made a choice - a ritual meant to save his daughter, Becca, from an unspeakable evil. Instead, it left him cursed, his wife dead, and his family shattered. Now, something is stirring again. Becca is in danger. And this time, it’s not just her soul at stake.
Forced to return home, Hank must face the ghosts of his past - his estranged daughter, a childhood friend turned pastor, and a family that would rather bury the truth than face what lurks beneath it. But denial won’t keep the darkness at bay. And when the evil bound to their bloodline finally emerges, they’ll realize too late that some horrors can’t be escaped… only confronted.
The battle for Becca’s life has begun. But to defeat this nightmare, Hank must sacrifice more than he ever imagined. Because this isn’t just about saving his daughter. It’s about breaking a curse that has already claimed too much - and is hungry for more.
How do you fight a monster when it’s not just in the dark - but inside you?
Wretch Like Me is a terrifying, emotionally charged descent into generational trauma, redemption, and the demons - both real and unseen - that threaten to consume us. But in the face of overwhelming darkness, is there still room for hope?
There’s only one way to find out.
PROOF OF CONCEPT
"A proof of concept is a concise preview of what a future project could entail, typically featuring scenes that encapsulate its concept, story, tone, and themes. While not all of the story elements (or featured actors) contained within the preview are necessarily in the final version of the film, it serves to showcase both the potential and creative vision of its creators."
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Wretch Like Me is a deeply personal project born from my love of storytelling. It explores human vulnerability, resilience, and the battle between darkness and redemption.
At its core, this is a horror film, but it goes beyond jump scares and gore. It delves into love, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to for those who matter most.
Inspired by my own experiences, it reflects life’s complexities - loss, fear, and hope. My goal is to blend raw emotion with visceral horror, creating a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
We are crafting a grounded, immersive cinematic experience. Practical effects, intricately designed monsters, and a stripped-down acoustic score build tension and emotion. Every element is designed to engage viewers on a visceral and emotional level.
Wretch Like Me speaks to horror fans and those seeking deeper narratives. It doesn’t shy away from darkness but offers a glimmer of hope - a reminder of our shared struggles and resilience. It's for audiences who want more than entertainment. They want to feel, think, and connect. My goal is to make Wretch Like Me a bold, moving, and unforgettable addition to the genre.
Todd E. Freeman
Writer | Director, Wretch Like Me
DIRECTOR'S PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Love Sick | Proof of Concept
Cell Count Trailer
The Beautiful | Proof of Concept
THE PRODUCING TEAM
Todd E. Freeman and Producer Lara Cuddy, with five feature films behind them and two more in development, have partnered with first-time Executive Producers Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg. For three years, they’ve built Red Braille, a studio dedicated to serving non-profits nationwide. Wretch Like Me is their first feature as a team.
To further strengthen the project, we’ve enlisted two renowned genre film producers: Avi Federgreen, whose decades of indie film expertise bring invaluable insight, and Executive Producer James Fler, a veteran with a proven track record in genre cinema. Their contributions have elevated Wretch Like Me into a refined, market-ready production primed to make a lasting impact.
Filmmaker Todd Freeman and Producer Lara Cuddy
Here is what Executive Producer James Fler has to say about the project:
Wretch Like Me is a well-crafted horror film that blends rich, character-driven storytelling with breathtaking creature design. Its compelling characters and uniquely terrifying themes make it a strong contender in the marketplace.
Unlike many genre films, it strikes the perfect balance, setting itself apart from shallow character development and gratuitous violence. I have no doubt buyers will be captivated by its distinctive approach and market potential. As Executive Producer, I’m committed to optimizing it for worldwide distribution. With Raven Banner’s first-look deal, we have the opportunity to sign on as Worldwide Sales Agents or handle Canadian distribution once the film is complete.
Producer Avi Federgreen and Executive Producer James Fler
LEGENDARY ACTOR DOUG JONES
Doug Jones, known for his mastery of non-human roles, steps into new territory in Wretch Like Me. For the first time in his career, he plays a character caught between man and monster.
A frequent collaborator with Guillermo del Toro, Doug has mesmerized audiences in Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water (Academy Award Winner), Hellboy, and Crimson Peak. His work also includes Hocus Pocus (and its sequel), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and The Bye Bye Man.
His role in Wretch Like Me marks a milestone, bringing his signature depth and humanity to a character unlike any he’s played before.
Here is what Actor Doug Jones has to say about the project:
"Wretch Like Me isn’t your typical horror film. It’s a bold, unsettling story designed to captivate audiences who crave intense and emotionally driven narratives. With my background in dark, mainstream films, I believe this project has the potential to stand out in the genre by exploring themes of love, redemption, and healing - delivered in a fresh and impactful way.
I’m excited to bring Hank to life - a man struggling with his own brokenness as he fights to save himself and his daughter from a generational curse. This role allows for a powerful exploration of resilience and hope amidst darkness, making Wretch Like Me a deeply compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience."
SPECIAL FX AND MUSIC
Rounding out the creative team are Steven Kostanski, who is designing and building the film’s monster, and Collin Hegna, who is composing the atmospheric and evocative score.
Steven Kostanski is a renowned special FX artist and director, known for his work in horror and sci-fi. His films The Void, It, In a Violent Nature, and Crimson Peak showcase his mastery of practical effects and creature design, creating stunning and terrifying visuals.
He blends realism with the grotesque, making him the perfect fit for Wretch Like Me. His ability to craft both subtle and extreme horror effects ensures a hauntingly realistic portrayal of the film’s darkest moments.
Portland-based musician and composer Collin Hegna is the founder of Federale, a Spaghetti Western-inspired psychedelic rock band, and has played bass with The Brian Jonestown Massacre since 2004.
As the owner of Revolver Studios, he has produced albums for The Shivas, Roselit Bone, and Jenny Don’t & The Spurs. His music has appeared in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, The Bad Batch, The Lego Movie, and the Emmy-nominated Super Bowl commercial Halftime in America.
BUDGET AND FINANCING BREAKDOWN
Wretch Like Me is budgeted at $600K and is almost 50% financed. Here's how the funding breaks down:
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Red Braille Studios: Fully secured funding for studio work and equipment valued at $75K.
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Creative Partners: Equity contributions totaling $35K.
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Oregon Film Incentive: We’re eligible for a 20%-25% rebate on funds spent in Oregon, projected at $80K.
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Private Crowdfunding Campaign: Raising $50K through charitable donations and equity investments.
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Public Crowdfunding Campaign: Launching in August with a $50K goal, targeting genre film fans. This campaign will coincide with the announcement of Doug Jones' involvement, the unveiling of the teaser poster, and more exciting updates.
Total Raised: $290K
Remaining Need: $310K
With a solid foundation already in place, Wretch Like Me is well-positioned to move forward. This is an opportunity to join an exciting, high-concept project that’s gaining momentum and capturing attention.
ESTIMATED SHOOT DATE - OCTOBER 2025
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE - JUNE 2026
LOCATIONS | PORTLAND, OR
Portland’s shift from a religious stronghold to the least religious city in the U.S. makes it the perfect backdrop for Wretch Like Me. Its urban decay mirrors the story’s spiritual decay. With more strip clubs per capita than anywhere else and homelessness at an all-time high, the city is a collision of light and darkness.
Hank’s desperate fight to save Becca unfolds in a world where supernatural forces thrive in society’s brokenness. Graffiti-covered alleys, abandoned churches, and makeshift encampments amplify the film’s themes of redemption and the thin line between hope and despair. Portland isn’t just a setting - it’s a character, embodying the spiritual battle at the heart of the story.
THE LOOK AND FEEL OF WRETCH LIKE ME
The visual tone of Wretch Like Me is a fusion of grounded realism and nightmarish horror, crafted to be both deeply intimate and utterly terrifying. The film will seamlessly blend otherworldly imagery with visceral, hyper-realistic moments of tension.
In the following section, you’ll see stills from these influential films alongside early monster design sketches by the incredible artist Imran Sheikh, showcasing the unsettling, otherworldly vision we’re bringing to life.
HEREDITARY
Hereditary inspires Wretch Like Me, with its use of light, shadow, and composition to create dread. Like Hereditary, we’ll ground the horror in raw emotion and striking visuals, crafting a haunting, immersive experience.
A QUIET PLACE
A Quiet Place heavily influences Wretch Like Me, particularly in marrying heartfelt character connections with relentless danger. Like A Quiet Place, we aim to build suspense by focusing on the fear in the characters’ eyes rather than fully revealing the monster, letting the audience feel the terror through the lens of those they’ve come to love.
A MONSTER CALLS
A Monster Calls inspires Wretch Like Me by blending extraordinary imagery with raw, emotional realism. Like A Monster Calls, our film explores profound themes of life, death, and what comes next, blurring the line between reality and the characters' internal struggles to create a visually stunning, deeply moving experience.
THE CONJURING
The Conjuring inspires Wretch Like Me, blending the extraordinary with stark realism to explore life, death, and the unexplainable lurking in the shadows. At its core, the film captures the battle between light and darkness, where hope and fear collide in a haunting, immersive experience.
CONCEPT ART
The monsters of Wretch Like Me come to life through Imran Sheikh’s haunting designs and Steven Kostanski’s expert practical FX. Together, they craft creatures that blend grotesque beauty with terrifying realism, immersing audiences in the film’s nightmarish world.
