Anyone can make a movie if they put their mind to it, right? According to your mother-in-law, no, go get a ‘real job’.

Eddie Mathews (James Austin Ker) is stuck at his dead-end job while his wife, Anna Mathews (Christina Spang) is late in her pregnancy. However, her pregnancy is not the only thing that is late. With their rent being overdue, they are forced to move in with the one and only Nancy Koslofski (Lorranie Bracco), the dream crushing mother-in-law. Not only does Nancy disapprove of Eddie’s dreams, but she also makes it known as well. Nancy’s overbearing disapproval does not break Eddie’s stride as he continues to try and shoot horror films from her house. Through chaos and failed attempts, a light bulb goes off in Eddie’s head. He heads to Hollywood to fulfill his dreams of becoming a horror film director. Will he be the next West Craven, or will he have to return back home as the disappointment his mother-in-law thinks he is?

Haven’t we all at one point and time dreamed of being a movie star. The Mother, The Menacer, and Me brings those dreams back to life as we get to see the ‘behind the scenes’ of Eddie’s horror films. The film invites us to be directors right alongside Eddie by showing us what goes on behind the camera, especially on such a low budget. It is fun and interesting seeing the different ways in which Eddie attempts to bring his horror scenes to life. For example, using his wife’s breast pump as a fake blood dispenser.

The Mother, The Menacer, and Me is packed full of strong dynamics. First you have Eddie and Anna. While they do love each other, their marriage gets put to the test between a pregnancy, financial problems, and Eddie’s relentless need to be a horror film director. Then you have Eddie and Nancy. They are constantly clashing heads as she sees his big dream as a waste of time. “The academy doesn’t give out Oscars to nitwits”-Nancy. The film utilizes these dynamics to create a tension filled story that draws you in at every angle. Are we to root for Eddie and his dream of being a horror director? Or do we side with Nancy and tell Eddie to get a ‘real job’?

The Mother, The Menacer, and Me offers a variety of different themes. If you’re looking for a drama packed film with sprinkles of comedy, then this is the film for you.

The Mother, The Menacer, and Me directed by John Salmon will be available digitally starting December 11th.