The Civil Dead

“It’s in a droll, shaggy, mumblecore-adjacent mode…it also has its own singular tone of deadpan cringe comedy, and ideas that it develops in ways not at all formulaic” – Dennis Harvey, 48 Hills

Clay is a loner photographer who enjoys a mundane life with his artist wife Whitney in Los Angeles. Whitney advises Clay, who has been creatively stagnant and unemployed for months, to go out and be productive while she’s out of town and not to “just lay in the living room and drink beer.” While taking photos out in a park, Clay happens upon his long-lost friend, Whit. After a night of catching up, Whit discloses an unsettling secret to Clay, which puts a strain on his marriage and causes him to question his own sanity.

Directed by Clay Tatum. Written by Clay Tatum & Whitmer Thomas. Starring Clay Tatum, Whitmer Thomas & DeMorge Brown.