Filmmaker Jayden Creighton breaks out with “The Matriarch”

Australian director Jayden Creighton brings raw, human horror to the screen with The Matriarch, a film that threads addiction, abuse, and survival into a pulse-pounding debut. Distributed by Slated, the feature will hit major TVOD platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple iTunes, and Google Play on June 10, 2025.

Creative Process & Inspiration

“The idea came to me almost immediately.” Jayden Creighton explains how The Matriarch was born from a competition around the theme “mother,” and further fueled by real-life cases involving familial abuse and complicity.

“There’s a dark ‘Rural Australian’ type of humor.” Though Creighton’s personal life diverges from his protagonist Missy’s, he drew from the eerie stillness of his hometown, especially post-flood, to set the tone.

“Working with a child actress was a huge creative risk.” Juliette Greenfield, cast as Missy, had no formal acting experience, but her emotional depth sealed the deal.

Hidden depths reveal

“Short films gave me the sandbox to experiment.” Creighton credits his shorts and web series for giving him the skills—and crew—to execute a feature debut on a tight budget.

“My brain is a sponge for all things horror.” Creighton draws on influences ranging from John Carpenter to Fede Alvarez, with stylistic nods to Hooper, Raimi, and Kubrick.

Characters & Themes

“Casting was everything.” Creighton says of Juliette’s emotionally rich portrayal of Missy, which anchors the film.

“We made ours a dark, domestic drama.” Avoiding gratuitous depictions, he kept the trauma grounded in emotional realism.

“Juliette brought her own resilience to the role.” Her performance was shaped through deep character discussions and on-set mentorship.

Uncover what lies beneath

“Annette really does dominate her family.” The title The Matriarch references not just a matrilineal head—but one steeped in toxicity.

“A harrowing family portrait across three generations.” Creighton’s interest wasn’t in romance, but power, envy, and intergenerational trauma.

Cast & Collaboration

“There was an energy in the room.” On casting, Creighton reunites with frequent collaborators and discovers a breakout in Greenfield.

“We operate on a similar wavelength.” With DP Matthew Martin, he crafts visual tension by escalating from stillness to handheld chaos.

“Sound can sometimes be more important than visuals.” Michael Drew’s score and Michael Monaco’s sound design heighten dread, turning atmosphere into a visceral experience.

Mystery waits inside

“Life imitating art.” A neighbor’s protest with Jehovah’s Witness music and a hatchet nearly derailed production—until she backed down.

“One foot in front of the other.” Balancing director, producer, and editor roles required trust in his team and the ability to compartmentalize.

Production & Distribution

“Bonalbo is like an old Hollywood backlot.” The rural shoot offered both isolation and resourcefulness, despite phone blackouts.

“I’m moving mountains I used to have to climb.” Festival acclaim has brought recognition from previously indifferent circuits.

“Their enthusiasm was infectious.” Creighton found a champion in Slated, who discovered the film via its IMDb key art.

Beyond the familiar light

“Don’t rely solely on festivals.” He advises filmmakers to build followings outside the traditional circuit to maintain momentum.

“I was going to live and die on my own sword.” With no reshoot budget, creative control came by necessity—and resolve.

Horror & Impact

“The dark side of human nature can be terrifying.” Creighton avoids the supernatural in favor of intimate, human evil.

“Juliette’s screams were absolutely harrowing.” One injury scene in the film left a lasting impact—even on the editor.

“I think this one ends with a bow on it.” While a spinoff was imagined as a gag, Creighton considers The Matriarch a complete story.

Unveiled truths await you

“Maybe the film will remind people to intervene.” By highlighting signs of domestic abuse, Creighton hopes horror sparks awareness.

“I’m still having a lot of fun with the genre.” His next script leans more supernatural, with bigger action and a more playful tone.

The Matriarch is produced by Duckpond Productions. Trailer available here.

Follow Jayden Creighton’s production company at Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

For more about Slated, visit get.slated.com.