'Unravelling': A New Horror Short Explores The Terrifying Reality Of Multiple Sclerosis
August 30, 2024 1:00 AM ‐ Movies
'Unravelling', a chilling new short film by award-winning Scottish filmmaker Aimie Willemse, offers a haunting exploration of invisible illness through the lens of horror. Funded by Creative Scotland and produced by Serena Gardner, the film is set to challenge media stereotypes and shed light on the realities of living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
At the heart of 'Unravelling' is the story of Fiona, who is struggling to care for her chronically ill grandmother, Maeve. As Maeve's invisible illness begins to manifest physically, transforming into a malignant entity, Fiona is forced to confront her worst fears. The film's portrayal of illness as a tangible, terrifying presence provides a stark metaphor for the loss of control and autonomy experienced by those living with chronic conditions.
Aimie Willemse, who was diagnosed with Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) in 2020, drew on her personal experiences to create this unsettling narrative. "Being diagnosed with RRMS felt like both a relief and a life sentence," Aimie shares. "Yes, I had an answer to these strange symptoms, but because of the media’s limited portrayal of multiple sclerosis as hopeless stereotypes, it’s been a difficult journey towards acceptance."
Aimie’s diagnosis came at the young age of 30, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic - a time that added to the isolation and fear many felt. "Plagued by paralysis, vision loss, and numbness, a relapse can feel like a possession. Your body isn’t your own anymore as your control is slowly stripped away. It’s as though something malignant is clinging to you like a shadow, and no one else could even tell," Aimie explains. This sense of unseen terror is what 'Unravelling' brings to the screen, making the invisible visible in a way that is both poignant and frightening.
Produced by Serena Gardner, whose work includes the award-winning short film 'Lady in the Park', 'Unravelling' is not just a film but a statement. Serena, who has worked extensively with Blazing Griffin in Glasgow, sees the project as an important step towards inclusive representation in media. "With over 130,000 people in the UK alone inadequately represented on screen, our intention as filmmakers is to explore multiple sclerosis through the creative lens of horror," Serena says. "We want to immerse the audience in this waking nightmare while still being able to find a shred of hope."
The film is already making waves on the festival circuit, having had its UK premiere in May 2024 at the BIFA-affiliated Sunderland Short Film Festival. It is also set to have its North American premiere at the prestigious Screamfest in Los Angeles in October 2024. The London premiere will take place at Fright Fest, further solidifying its place in the horror genre.
By partnering with Creative Scotland's CrowdMatch scheme and Blazing Griffin, Aimie and Serena are not just telling a story - they're raising awareness. "We want to encourage people experiencing strange, yet dismissible, blips or symptoms with their health to not ignore them," Aimie emphasises. 'Unravelling' aims to challenge the media's portrayal of MS and other invisible illnesses, offering a narrative that is as horrifying as it is hopeful.
The film is also backed by Secret Garden Pictures, a multi-award-winning production company known for highlighting underrepresented voices. Serena Chloe Gardner and Nasreen Cullen of Secret Garden Pictures have a history of creating impactful films like 'Blackout' and 'Chasing the Vein', which have screened at Oscar and BAFTA-affiliated festivals. Their commitment to inclusivity and making films that spark conversation aligns perfectly with the goals of 'Unravelling'.
As 'Unravelling' prepares to terrify audiences, it also seeks to educate and provoke thought. Aimie Willemse and Serena Gardner are determined to bring invisible disabilities into the mainstream and challenge the stereotypes that surround them. "Life with MS doesn't start in a wheelchair or disability and isn't limited to the elderly, so why does the media portray it as so?" Aimie asks. 'Unravelling' is their answer - a story that must be told.
'Unravelling' is more than just a horror film - it's a crucial piece of storytelling that blends the eerie with the essential, highlighting the struggles of those living with invisible illnesses through a genre that has always excelled at bringing our deepest fears to life.
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