A boy wakes up alone in the woods without knowing how he got there. He befriends a woman and her daughter, realizing they all share the same last memory.

Directed by

Ashton Herrild

2015

3:56 mins

United States of America

Feb 28, 2015

In Competition

2015

Written and directed by Ashton Herrild—who also stars in it— Worst Case is a compelling, dialogue-driven psychological drama that delves into the aftermath of a potentially life-altering event. The film is characterized by its intense, singular dramatic focus, where the primary conflict is internal and relational, driven entirely by the conversation and interaction between a man and a woman. The directorial approach effectively utilizes constraints to amplify the emotional pressure, building suspense not through visible action, but through the escalating tension and moral questioning faced by Herrild's character.

Worst Case distinguishes itself through its sharp, realistic scripting and the intense, visceral performance at its core, effectively capturing profound anxiety and the burden of keeping a devastating secret. Herrild’s execution powerfully explores weighty themes such as familial loyalty, moral ambiguity, and accountability, prompting viewers to question their own ethical boundaries when faced with an extreme situation.

A boy wakes up alone in the woods without knowing how he got there. He befriends a woman and her daughter, realizing they all share the same last memory.

About
Ashton Herrild

Ashton [Ash] Herrild was raised in Seattle, Washington. A graduate of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, he is a Los Angeles based actor, comedian, voice actor, and writer who has experience, expertise, and range in both comedy and drama. Most recently, he can be heard on the Scripted Podcasts Last Known Position and Electric Easy, seen as the star of the Mau y Ricky music videos No Puede Ser and Fresh, as well as starring in the short films Greek Gossip, This is Where Your Shit Goes, and Wildfall. Not so recently, he originated the role of Scut Farcus in Pasek & Paul’s A Christmas Story The Musical. As a writer, Ash has a unique voice and affinity for the budding niche of Horror Comedy, with his most recent film, CARNIVORE winning various festival awards including “Best Horror Comedy” at Nightmare’s Film Fest; the award garnered the film on-line distribution with Alter, where it now has over 300k views. His future films will cure scoliosis and income inequality but the origin of this information cannot be divulged.