"Mad Island," set against the haunting winter backdrop of Lake Superior, WI, is a narrative short by American writer/director Nick Peet. The film delves deep into the chilling mysteries of a remote, icy island, exploring themes of isolation, intrigue, and the eerie lore of a sinister water spirit. Our main character is a gender non-binary musician who travels to this remote setting to capture the the sounds of ice expanding and contracting. Like a fish out of water, they are thrown into a nerve-racking series of events that forces the audience to question what's real and what's the product of living in an isolated community surrounded by the spiritual impact of natural wonders.
Our Lake Superior water spirit is loosely based on a sinister character from Nordic folklore. The Nøkken (also known as Nixie, Näcken or Nicor) are humanoid and often shapeshifting water spirits said to lure their victims with a siren's call and a string instrument similar to a violin. This spirit plays a pivotal role in our story, embodying the haunting allure of the island's icy backdrop. Its enigmatic presence adds a layer of chilling mystery, intensifying the film's atmosphere. This spectral figure will be brought to life on screen, through post-production and VFX enhancements.
