Husk – Zombie Chamber Drama Short Film

Hi, we’re Matthew Donkers (Director/Co-Writer), Allison Simpson (Producer/Co-Writer), and Jesse Telfer (Cinematographer). We’re a passionate team with a shared vision, and we need your help to bring Husk, a post-apocalyptic horror film to life.

In a world ravaged by a viral plague turning people into "husks," three survivors—siblings Henry and Sadie, along with Sadie's husband Alden—are trapped in a barricaded house, surrounded by the undead. When Alden succumbs to the infection, the group attempts a risky amputation to save him, though his fate remains uncertain. Henry and Sadie are then confronted with a heart-wrenching moral dilemma: should they end Alden’s life to protect themselves, or hold on to the fragile hope that he won’t turn?

This heartbreaking story explores survival, sacrifice, and the impossible decisions we face in times of crisis. The film draws from the collective fear and uncertainty many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the undead as a metaphor for the fear of the virus. The central question Husk explores is: when society collapses, do we choose survival at all costs, or do we cling to our humanity?

Henry (late 30s) hardened by the death of his wife, he is willing to do whatever it takes to survive, pushing him to make cold, pragmatic decisions.

Sadie, (mid-20s), fights to save her infected husband, believing that humanity can prevail, even in the most dire of circumstances.

Alden, (mid-20s) slowly succumbs to the viral infection, he loses himself to something beyond control.

At its core, Husk is about the emotional and psychological toll of making impossible choices in times of crisis. It examines themes of grief, sacrifice, morality, and the fear of the unknown. The film will explore what it means to survive—whether it’s worth giving up your morals to save yourself, or if holding onto your humanity is more important than staying alive. Inspired by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Husk reflects on the universal struggles we all face when pushed to our limits.

We’re inspired by the classic zombie films of the past, specifically George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead. We wanted to pay homage to those films and capture the same raw, gritty atmosphere and existential themes that defined the genre. We’re committed to bringing this deeply emotional, atmospheric film to life with a mix of black and white cinematography, grotesque special effects, and a haunting sound design that builds tension and evokes a sense of isolation. Our goal is to create a claustrophobic environment that mirrors the characters’ psychological states, all while reinventing the older zombie genre with a modern lens to create a memorable, thought-provoking experience.

To make Husk a reality, we need your support. Your donations will help fund crucial aspects of the production, including props, special effects, costumes, and overall film costs to create a more immersive apocalyptic atmosphere and world. With a talented crew and an ambitious vision, we’re ready to bring Husk to the screen—but we can’t do it without you.

Thank you for taking the time to support Husk. Every contribution, no matter the size, gets us one step closer to bringing this powerful and exciting film to life. We can’t wait to share it with you.

Concept Art By: Andy Wilson & Zhouxiao Zhang

Visual References: The Lighthouse (2019) & The Night Of The Living Dead (1968)