Madeline Tucker steps into the filmmaking arena with ‘Catfish‘, co-writing and co-directing alongside Vivian Shamie, and while it’s clear she’s still sharpening her craft, her efforts are undeniably plausible. The film’s stripped-down horror premise is simple yet effective, demonstrating a keen understanding of tension even within a tight runtime of 2 minutes. Tucker’s storytelling is functional – it does the job, builds suspense, and lands the scare. There’s an instinct here for fear, for that creeping paranoia, and with refinement, she could carve out a distinct voice in indie horror.
Where Tucker shows promise is behind the camera. Working within the limitations of a low-budget short, her cinematography remains neat, composed, and impressively polished. She frames isolation well, using space to imply a presence long before the horror manifests. The cutting is a tad harsh, particularly at the opening seconds, but once the film finds its rhythm, her visuals work in tandem with the suspense, delivering a chilling final moment.
Tucker proves she can direct performances, guiding young actress Willa Shamie with a natural ease. In such a short window, Shamie carries the film, and that’s no small feat – it’s a credit to Tucker’s ability to create an environment where tension feels organic rather than forced. ‘Catfish’ may be a micro-short, but it’s an intriguing step for Tucker, hinting at a filmmaker who, with time and refinement, could craft something truly remarkable.