Becoming Slender
Short Film
Project Type: Short Film
Project Status: Pre-Production
Writer and Director: Carrie Jean Henley
Producers: Eliana Oliver and Caitlyn Kaufman Executive Producer: Bill Tunnicliffe
Actors (Slendermother): Suzanne Richard
LOGLINE
Slenderman’s conflicting desires to pursue a comedy career and please his mother clash when he is tasked with a high-stakes cat-napping.
SYNOPSIS
Becoming Slender is a satirical horror-comedy short film that follows Slenderman, an over-the-top shadow entity caught between his passion for becoming a comedian and his desire to please his cold, spite-fueled mother, Slendermother. When Slendermother orders Slenderman to kidnap Petunia, the mayor’s sassy cat, as leverage to blackmail the mayor, Slenderman’s loyalty and dreams collide.
The narrative is absurdist, dark, and comedic, with Slenderman’s failures, such as the death of his partner Ratsputin during a previous kidnapping attempt, setting a chaotic tone. His conflicted desire to escape crime and embrace comedy leads to a chaotic open mic night where the mayor’s cat, Petunia, unexpectedly steals the spotlight with her meows, while Slenderman’s own jokes fall flat.
Through this surreal story, Becoming Slender explores themes of identity, belonging, and loyalty with humor and heart, culminating in a wild chase and an unexpected partnership between Slenderman and Petunia. The film combines sharp satire with emotional undercurrents, creating a story that speaks to our universal need for acceptance and the courage it takes to pursue one’s true path.
MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Becoming Slender reimagines a mythic horror icon as a misguided dreamer navigating toxic family dynamics, artistic ambition, and one very dramatic cat. Visually stylized and narratively bold, the film plays with genre conventions — blending theatrical horror aesthetics, mockumentary-style comedy beats, and absurdist storytelling to create a world that is as emotionally resonant as it is ridiculous.
At its core, the film is an allegory about breaking free from inherited roles and expectations. Slenderman’s shadowy figure becomes a stand-in for anyone told they must remain invisible, obedient, or useful to others, instead of being joyful, expressive, and fully themselves.
With eccentric set design, big band jazz scoring, and visual gags that elevate every frame, Becoming Slender is both a send-up and a celebration of outsider narratives. The project reflects director Carrie Jean Henley’s signature blend of humor and heart, filtered through the lens of activism, identity, and theatrical absurdity.
This short is also proof of concept for a larger cinematic universe, one in which horror, humor, and healing collide in unexpected and unforgettable ways.
Meet The Filmmakers
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Carrie Jean Henley
Director/Writer/Producer
Carrie Jean Henley is a disabled multidisciplinary artist and disability rights activist whose work centers on themes of truth and liberation. Known for blending dark realism with absurdist comedy, Carrie has directed and produced shorts such as Lemon Sorbet and AWOL, as well as the filmed reading Segway Slenderman. Her work is deeply personal and explores identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of authentic selfhood through innovative storytelling and striking visuals. Carrie is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices in film and theater.
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Eliana Oliver
Producer
Eliana Oliver is a New York-based producer and dramatic writer dedicated to bold, socially impactful storytelling. As founder of Weird Girl Media, she champions underrepresented voices in independent film. Eliana is currently producing Pa-Sapphic Islanders and Doom Scroll, and in post-production on the documentary The Leftovers. Her work combines genre innovation with meaningful narratives, making her a dynamic force in bringing fresh, diverse stories to life. Eliana’s producing style emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and strategic project development.
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Caitlyn Kaufman
Producer
Caitlyn Kaufman is a filmmaker and interdisciplinary artist completing a BFA in Collaborative Arts with minors in Film Production and Producing at NYU Tisch. She has worked on major events like the Golden Globe Awards and Critics Choice Awards, and her shorts have screened at various festivals. Caitlyn creates work that inspires social change, with credits including My Mind’s Refrain and Catharsis. As a producer, she brings meticulous organization, creative vision, and a passion for uplifting innovative storytelling to every project.
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Bill Tunnicliffe
Executive Producer
Bill Tunnicliffe is a veteran filmmaker whose extensive credits span music videos, commercials, action films, and television. He has worked on projects with stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Hopper and has directed multiple network series. Bill’s work is known for its technical precision and dynamic visual storytelling, with a career that includes Oscar-nominated shorts and Emmy-winning newsmagazines. He brings a wealth of experience and creative expertise to the production of Becoming Slender.
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Suzanne Richard
Actor (Slendermother)
Suzanne Richard is Co-founder and Artistic Director of Open Circle Theatre, which produces professional work by artists with and without disabilities. A seasoned performer and advocate, she has appeared in over 30 productions and has contributed to major accessibility initiatives in the arts. Suzanne is known for blending artistry with activism, creating inclusive spaces for diverse voices. Her commitment to authentic storytelling and community engagement enriches her portrayal of Slendermother in Becoming Slender.
Your Help
BECOMING SLENDER is a fiscally sponsored project of Cinematography for Actors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation will be tax-deductible!