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Macabre

Macabre is a haunting psychological thriller that delves into the fractured psyche of Ezekiel, a man tormented by his abusive past and unraveling grip on reality. As Ezekiel prepares for what should be a joyous birthday celebration with his girlfriend Samantha and their close friend J.T., he begins to experience disturbing visions of his late stepfather, Corbin. These apparitions blur the line between memory and reality, dragging Ezekiel deeper into a world of paranoia and self-doubt.

The film explores themes of trauma, betrayal, and the haunting nature of unresolved pain. As Ezekiel confronts the ghosts of his past, he is forced to question the authenticity of the relationships around him and the truth of his own actions. With its chilling atmosphere and a devastating twist, Macabre unearths the terrifying consequences of a mind trapped in its own darkness.

  • Jonah Manibusan
    Director
  • Jonah Manibusan
    Writer
  • Emilee Hayward
    Producer
  • Shawn Malagyaon
    Director of Photography
  • Sabrina Beach
    Editor
  • Nicolette Cash
    Music by
  • Jay Soni
    Key Cast
    "Ezekiel"
  • Elliot Bales
    Key Cast
    "Corbin"
  • Olivia Wilson
    Key Cast
    "Samantha"
  • Roger Borrell
    Key Cast
    "J.T"
  • Liam Tipler
    Sound Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Psychological Thriller, Horror, Drama
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - George Mason University
Director Biography - Jonah Manibusan

Jonah Manibusan is a filmmaker and student at George Mason University, majoring in Film and minoring in Communications. He is the Founder and Creative Director of 3017th Studios, a production company established in 2022, dedicated to creating thought-provoking and meaningful content. Under his leadership, 3017th Studios has produced award-winning short films, documentaries, music videos, and more.

Inspired by filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino, Jonah’s work explores themes of memory, redemption, and the lasting impact of the past. His stories often center on characters grappling with their history, reflecting his belief that the past shapes identity.

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Director Statement

Macabre is a deeply personal exploration of trauma, memory, and the psychological scars that shape who we are. With this film, I wanted to immerse the audience in the fragile mind of Ezekiel, a man haunted by his abusive past and struggling to differentiate between reality and illusion. By blurring these lines, Macabre seeks to highlight the profound impact of unresolved pain and how it can distort our perception of the present, even as we yearn for connection and love.

As a director, my goal was to use visual storytelling and atmosphere to evoke unease and introspection. Inspired by psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas, Macabre is not just a tale of horror but a window into the complex relationship between past traumas and the narratives we create to survive them. Through this film, I hope to spark a dialogue about the enduring effects of abuse and the resilience it takes to confront our inner demons.