Film: The Caretaker
Director: Luke Tedder
Writer: Luke Tedder
Starring: Ben Probert, Mackenzie Larsen, Scott Hume, P G Pearson, Lauren Shotton
Synopsis – Eddie is mute; he takes a caretaker job at the coastal Lockbridge Academy to avoid homelessness. There, he forms a bond with cleaner Marie, while uncovering dark secrets that threaten the Aberdeen family’s control of the school.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds ahead of Dead And Sudburied, I got a chance to ask writer-director Luke Tedder a few questions about ‘The Caretaker‘, which has been selected to play at the festival.
The Caretaker will be playing at Dead And Sudburied on Sunday, 19th October at 1:55 pm
Q. Your film The Caretaker has been selected for Dead and Sudburied. Can you tell us a bit about what we can expect from the film?
A. Expect some unexpected twists and turns. The Caretaker is a film that crosses genres; it’s part horror, thriller, character drama and romance.
Q. How did the idea for the film come about, and what were your inspirations when writing the script?
A. The idea of a mute protagonist in a horror/thriller situation was the starting point, the story evolved around that, the idea of communication barriers and how trauma can isolate someone’s prospects in life.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. Main inspirations 1970s Stephen King, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I’m a huge fan of how the latter uses camera placement.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. Yes, it kept changing a lot throughout shooting; new ideas would shape the script as we went. The original cut of the film was a great deal longer, around 20 minutes extra, which spent a lot more time with the Aberdeen family, showing more of their family dynamics. With such a talented cast, I was able to try new ideas and see where we could go with it, I just wish it could have all been included in the theatrical version.
Q. What were some of your favourite memories of making the Film?
A. Most of making the Caretaker was a very positive experience, mostly due to the talented and good-natured cast, working with them was creatively freeing, which is unusual as making an indie film is usually hell for me. I probably had the most fun filming the date scene, we were finally out of the school location and by the sea, despite getting a bit sunburned.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. Yes, of course! Logistics mostly, we’re such a small crew, so I found myself being cinematographer, arranging the shoots, costumes, props, even driving the actors to location, and of course making sure I don’t screw up the directing.
It was exhausting, ridiculous, and I don’t recommend making a film this way to anyone unless you want a first-class ticket to an early grave. Despite the challenges, I found ways to manage the physical limitations, e.g. keep the shoots short!
Q. What makes The Caretaker stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. It takes some risks by crossing into other genres, with the amount of time we spend building the characters, and, on the romance, it was very important that you really care about Eddie and Marie as we put them through hell.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. That just because someone has had a traumatic childhood doesn’t mean they’ll automatically turn into a serial killer!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Yes, a VFX-heavy sci-fi called A Universe Apart, hopefully, will be complete early 2026.
Q. If someone was looking to get into filmmaking film what advice would you give them?
A. Whenever I get asked this, it’s either I’m not qualified to answer that or I’d advise not to take too much advice! I think if you’re able and your circumstances allow you to, make a story you truly care about telling, it’s like rocket fuel, especially on the tough days.
The Caretake will be playing at Dead And Sudburied on Sunday, 19th October at 1:55 pm
You can find out more about Lander Pictures on the Website and follow on Instagram
You can find out more about the festival and purchase tickets for The Caretaker here.
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
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