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The Softening

A man's wife and kids suddenly disappear without explanation and are replaced by a Strange Woman claiming to be his wife.

  • Simon Stockdale
    Director
  • Simon Stockdale
    Writer
  • Simon Stockdale
    Producer
  • Logan McCurry
    Producer
  • Simon Stockdale
    Key Cast
    "Ted"
  • Jasveen Singh
    Key Cast
    "Rachel"
  • Devyn Hosier
    Key Cast
    "Strange Woman"
  • Connor McGuire
    Key Cast
    "Mac"
  • Palmer Ashe
    Key Cast
    "Cop #1"
  • Max Bowmore
    Key Cast
    "Cop #2"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 18 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 17, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • The IndieFest Film Awards
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    Award of Merit Ensemble Cast
  • The IndieFest Film Awards
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    Award of Merit Feature Film
  • Austin Revolution Film Festival
    Austin, Texas
    United States
    February 16, 2024
    North American Premiere
    Best in Show
  • Austin Revolution Film Festival
    Austin, Texas
    United States
    Best Actor
  • Austin Revolution Film Festival
    Austin, Texas
    United States
    Best Actress
  • Allentown Film Festival
    Allentown, Pennsylvania
    United States
    April 12, 2024
    Best Actor
Director Biography - Simon Stockdale

Simon Stockdale has worked since 2017 as a film critic and comedian on YouTube under the name SimonsRants. "The Softening" is his first feature film.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I am proud to announce my first feature film - The Softening! Filmmaking was a life long dream that I was too afraid to pursue until I was hit by a drunk driver in the summer of 2021. I temporarily lost the ability to focus my eyes, discern the difference between hot and cold, and sleep due to the extreme pain and vertigo. Throughout my recovery, I worked on this script daily. And when it came time, I cashed in my savings, took out multiple loans and did everything I could to bring my dream to life.

The story is extremely personal to me as it is based on my own worst fears and family experiences. The budget was practically non-existent ($25,000 USD), but I am so proud of what my cast, crew and I were were able to accomplish with so little. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.