The Clovehitch Killer

Tyler lives in a spotless, middle American town where everything seems under control until a routine search of his father's belongings uncovers a cache of disturbing photographs and writings. The discovery shatters the trust the boy places in Don, his father, who has long been the steady anchor of the family. As Tyler digs deeper, he confronts growing questions about the past and the violence that haunts the community. The revelation pulls at the seams of the life his parents have built, forcing Tyler to weigh loyalty against truth while a town struggles to answer how far one man's secret can reach. The film also follows Don's wife Cindy and the rest of the family as they cope with the unraveling illusion of normalcy.

The film, released in 2018, was directed by Duncan Skiles from an original screenplay by Christopher Ford. It features Dylan McDermott as Don, Charlie Plummer as Tyler, and Samantha Mathis as Cindy, with Madisen Beaty and Brenna Sherman in supporting roles. The production relies on quiet exchanges and measured pacing to build unease.

The movie drew attention for its unsettling portrait of a seemingly normal family hiding dangerous truths. It sparked conversations about secrecy, control, and how communities react to rumors, set against a quiet town backdrop that heightens the sense of unease. The mood sticks with viewers long after the credits.

Critics praised the restrained mood and strong performances, particularly from Plummer as a teen wrestling with fear and doubt. The drama asks how ordinary lives conceal violence and how trust between parent and child clashes with the truth that lies beneath. It also probes guilt and complicity within a family under pressure.

The film did not receive major nominations or wins on the mainstream awards circuit. It did, however, play at smaller festivals and earned praise for its deliberate pacing, understated direction, and the ensemble's restrained performances. It stands as a quiet, unsettling study of secrecy in a close community.