When an eccentric park ranger crosses paths with a grieving hiker, he offers his help in finding the perfect spot to scatter the hiker’s father’s ashes. As they venture deeper into the remote wilderness, the ranger’s true intentions begin to blur.

Director’s Vision for ‘Nature of Death’

“The Nature of Death” is as much a story about confronting and releasing past trauma as it is a meditation on humanity’s tendency to take the natural world for granted. At its core, the film is steeped in nostalgia. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by films like Sorcerer, Mikey and Nicky, Deliverance, and The Hitcher. This short should carry echoes of each. From its pacing, performance style, and awkward humor to its music and cinematography, every element has been crafted to evoke the atmosphere of a slow-burn thriller from the 1970s with a nod to the “Exploitation” films of the decade as well. Our hope is that the film feels not just inspired by that era, but as though it could have been discovered in a dusty reel from it. With that said, take a journey back in time with us.  We hope you enjoy our truly indie short film “The Nature of Death”.