VAULTED
VAULTED is a fast-paced, music-driven psych-drama. Relationships, artistic freedom, sex, drugs and rock n’ roll all take a turn under Z.F. Williams’ lens in this artfully crafted short film.
Bursting with relatable characters, blanketed by a score and original songs seemingly plucked from the late 90s indie-rock boom and featuring blistering performances by Amber Gatlin and Sami Milad, VAULTED is a satisfying, if uncomfortable punch to the gut that explores the struggles an artist goes through during the creative process – and the unexpected steps she must take to find her voice.
In pursuit of creative inspiration, Wendy (Amber Gatlin), lead singer of a struggling indie band, finds herself locked in a remote cabin with her bandmates in order to write “the perfect song.” Things do not go as planned and chaos ensues. Guitarist Spencer (Sami Milad), Wendy’s controlling, perfectionist boyfriend and self-proclaimed “leader of the band,” reaches his wits’ end as his claustrophobia and impatience magnify, while the other band members hilariously find ways to kill time while debating their own issues.
Throughout it all, the group struggles to capture that elusive signature tune. Is it even possible?
Ultimately, Wendy must reassess her role in the band, face her lack of confidence and fear of failure, and explore a surprising new way to fulfill her ambitions as an artist.
VAULTED captures the sonic and visual aesthetic and atmosphere of the late 90s indie rock DIY movement, inspired by bands of that era like Pavement, Built to Spill, Lush and the Breeders. Think Robert Altman’s Nashville meets Scott Pilgrim vs The World – but in the uniquely hazy, grungy bubble that was the late 90s.