This Little Light of Mine: Developing "Wretch Like Me" by Todd Freeman

For as long as I can remember, horror movies and faith have been two threads running through the fabric of my life. This juxtaposition has always made me feel like somewhat of an outsider in both worlds, but it’s also given me a unique perspective that I’ve poured into a project called, Wretch Like Me.

Growing up as the son of a Baptist minister, my life was a fascinating blend of contrasts. Saturday nights were dedicated to exploring the eerie realms of classic thrillers and chilling horror films on 16mm film. My dad was a true connoisseur of these genres. He didn't just watch the films; he immersed us in their creation, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and special effects trivia before the credits even rolled. His vivid tales made the terrors on screen more fascinating than frightening. But come Sunday morning, his passionate sermons offered a comforting counterpoint to the shadows of the night before, bridging the gap between two seemingly disconnected worlds. (You can read more about this in previous blogs HERE.)

But as I grew older and ventured into the world of filmmaking, I quickly realized that my love of horror films, a genre that explores the darkest corners of human fear, often set me apart from so many others in the Christian community. And conversely, my deep-seated faith is often met with skepticism in the horror community, which typically doesn’t embrace themes of redemption or salvation with open arms. I have often felt like a perpetual outsider, navigating two worlds that rarely intersected.

This duality has followed me throughout my life and shaped my creative journey. As I embarked on writing and developing Wretch Like Me, a horror screenplay with a profound spiritual undercurrent, this conflict became even more pronounced. The film centers on Hank, a father battling malevolent forces in a desperate bid to save his daughter, all while wrestling with his own faith and the darkness that threatens to consume him. It’s a story born from a place of intense personal struggle and reflection; a unique juggling act that often seemed impossible.

My father passed away in January, a loss that shook me to my core. His absence has left a void, but it's also brought into sharp focus the purpose of my work. The struggle between horror and faith that once seemed like a stark contradiction now feels like a profound calling - a way to honor his memory and embrace the complexities of my identity. Through Wretch Like Me, I aim to showcase and celebrate the artist God shaped me to be from a young age. This film is not just a project; it's a tribute to the duality of my upbringing and a testament to the faith and creativity that my father nurtured in me. It's who I am; plain and simple.

Wretch Like Me is more than just a screenplay; it’s a personal exploration of faith amidst the horror of human desperation. The story centers on a father’s desperate quest to protect his daughter from malevolent forces that threaten to consume them both. As the terror mounts, Hank, the father, grapples with the haunting reality that his love alone might not be enough to save his child. The narrative weaves through intense horror elements and spiritual themes, ultimately showcasing the limits of human effort against supernatural darkness. Shining the light of Jesus into the darkest of night.

As we gear up to pitch Wretch Like Me, I’m thrilled to invite you to an exclusive sneak peek before it hits the broader stage. (Including the exclusive "proof of concept" teaser that has yet to be released publicly.) This project is more than just a film; it’s a deeply personal journey through the struggle and triumph of merging two seemingly disparate worlds - horror and faith. It’s a chance to witness how these elements blend to create something truly unique, a story that feels like I’ve been steered toward my entire life. We’ve already garnered enthusiastic support from actors and sales agents who recognize the groundbreaking fusion of faith and horror that defines this project.

If you’re intrigued by this concept and want to support or learn more about Wretch Like Me, I invite you to sign up for an exclusive look at our pitch deck. Your support - whether through investment, sharing with potential investors, or most importantly, through your prayers - could be instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Email us at wretchlikeme@redbraille.com for the exclusive password and dive into Wretch Like Me, a story born from my unique journey through faith and horror. See how this blend of spirituality and terror, inspired by God, yearns to create a cinematic experience like no other.