The Empty Chair

It was beyond chilling to learn about Coral Eugene Watts, the most prolific yet unknown serial killer in US History. This short film allows a small glimpse into the lives of the Semander family in the aftermath of their oldest daughter, Elena's, murder. It tells the story of her mother, Harriet, and how she fiercely challenges the legal system and champions for Elena, other Watt's victims, as well as possible future victims of this sinister killer. It is a family and community's relentless quest for justice mired by grief and governmental red tape. The acting is superb - most notably by Robyn Lively and Justin Hurtt-Dunkley. From the haunting music to the cinematography, there were scenes that took by breath away as the characters' navigate their unthinkable loss. Their pain radiates to viewers. The fact that few have heard about this monster, a man responsible for the deaths of hundreds of women, is beyond shocking.

This is a haunting, powerful story and film that deserves more attention and I am hoping it is picked up for a full series. It is a story that is begging to be told.

The Empty Chair is a 22-minute short film Directed by Andrew Shebay, written by John Semandar and starring Robyn Lively, Andrea Figliomeni, Chris Mulkey, Jordyn Dinatale, Abigail Haley, Gavin Warren, Justin Hurtt-Dunkley, Sarah Byers, Olivia Tovar, Todd Allen, Tommy G. Kendrick, Andrew S. Cortez, Woody Hall

The Empty Chair based on true and tragic story of Elena Semander, a victim of the notorious serial killer Coral Eugene Watts. Set against the backdrop of 1982 Houston, the film dives deeply into the Semander family's enduring grief following Elena's murder. Central to the narrative is the symbolic empty chair at the family's kitchen table, a silent yet powerful reminder of Elena's absence and the void left in their lives. The story further explores the mother, Harriett Semander's, transformation into a fierce advocate for victims' rights, as she fights to prevent Watts the man responsible for multiple murders from being released from prison due to a controversial plea deal.

The performances in The Empty Chair are heartfelt and compelling, with Robyn Lively and Chris Mulkey leading the cast. The actors effectively convey the profound pain and resilience of the Semander family, particularly Harriett's determination to honor her daughter's memory and seek justice. Support cast did well , with time there will be more to see .

Directed by Andrew Shebay, the film is tightly crafted to deliver a powerful message within its short runtime. Shebay's direction balances the intimate family drama with the broader social implications of victims' rights and criminal justice. The use of the empty chair as a recurring visual motivation and reference is a masterstroke, symbolizing loss and the ongoing fight against injustice. Cinematography by Josh Pickering and music was also Carson Aune was absolutely mix with story telling.

The Empty Chair is about grief, memory, and the pursuit of justice. It explores how a family copes with the devastating loss of a loved one to violent crime and how that tragedy can advocacy for systemic change. The film also shows legal loopholes and the complexities of the criminal justice system, highlighting the emotional and moral battles faced by victims families.

The Empty Chair is a unique twist on the true crime genre, just 22 minutes of a much bigger story that needs to be told . It stands out as a moving and socially relevant film that combines a true crime story with a humanistic focus on family and justice. Its symbolic use of the empty chair, strong performances, and sensitive direction make it a memorable and impactful short film. In future there will be more to explore

Watch the true crime drama unfold in The Empty Chair, OUT NOW on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.