A Mother's Instinct

When Layla learns of her abusive ex’s release, she barricades herself at home to protect her unborn child, but as a storm rages outside, she fears the danger may already be at her door.

  • Makayla Doyle
    Director
  • Makayla Doyle
    Writer
  • Makayla Doyle
    Producer
  • Clint Doyle
    Producer
  • Sally Doyle
    Producer
  • Bianca Rose
    Key Cast
    "Layla"
  • Helene Tardif
    Key Cast
    "Janine"
  • Dmitri Cherkasski
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    DOP
  • Clint Doyle
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    1st Assistant Director
  • Taj Fox
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Gaffer
  • Lia Velissaris
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Charlotte Doyle
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Production Assistant
  • Dmitri Cherkasski
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Editor & Colourist
  • John Lembo
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Sound Recordist
  • Christopher Singh
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Sound Mixer
  • Clint Doyle
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    BTS Photographer
  • Lia Velissaris
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Production Design & On Set Props
  • Lana B
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Hair & Makeup Artist
  • Sally Doyle
    A Mother's Instinct Crew
    Key Craft & Weapons Specialist
  • Paige Joy Ryans
    A Mother's Instinct Additional Cast
    Pizza Girl
  • Danny Eggins
    A Mother's Instinct Additional Cast
    Jared
  • Clint Doyle
    A Mother's Instinct Additional Cast
    Police Officer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Psychological Thriller, Horror
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 54 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    200 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - McClelland College
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Makayla Doyle

Makayla Doyle is a filmmaker, actor and writer residing in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. She is a current high school student, and this is her first short-film. Her passion lies in storytelling, and the expression of art through performing, directing, and writing.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

A Mother’s Instinct is a short film that I wrote, produced and directed. I felt drawn to create this emotional film to raise awareness regarding the severe implications of those struggling with mental health, specifically relating to domestic violence/sexual assault and abuse. The film explores the implications of neglecting your own, and family/friend’s mental health, when it is apparent they are struggling.

I was adamant that the film adopts these notions to explain to the viewers the unlikely but possible outcomes of neglecting mental health.

The film was inspired by my recent observations of many individuals in my town and some of my friends. The spike in negative mental health, and mental health disorders, is alarming and often overlooked even in this generation. Therefore this became a huge focus of my film.

Although seemingly random I further bridged on the notion that females have a strong ‘motherly instinct’ to their children, drawing on this due to influence and experiences in my own life. I believe this experience and bond is natural to all mothers and is a highly relatable/universal experience, and one I wanted to include.