The Caretaker (2025 film)

The Caretaker
Official release poster
Directed by	Luke Tedder
Written by	Luke Tedder
Produced by	Andy Luther
Starring	Ben Probert Mackenzie Larsen Scott Hume P G Pearson Lauren Shotton Chris McQuire Livvy Dawson
Cinematography	Luke Tedder
Edited by	Luke Tedder
Music by	Ollie Rann
Production company	Landa Pictures
Distributed by	Ajamax Productions
Release date	2025 (2025)
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

The Caretaker is a British independent psychological horror thriller produced by Landa Pictures. The film is written and directed by Luke Tedder and stars Ben Probert in the lead role of Eddie Hartwood. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Synopsis

The Caretaker is a character-driven horror-thriller set at Lockbridge Academy, an isolated school on the coast, run by the powerful aristocratic Aberdeen family. Eddie is a mute, burdened with caring for his cruel ailing mother. While on the cusp of losing his home, he takes a caretaker position at Lockbridge. There, he meets a cleaner named Marie, sparking a connection that will alter the trajectory of his life, while unraveling a sinister mystery lurking within the school, that could shatter the Aberdeen's family legacy forever.

Cast

• Ben Probert as Eddie Hartwood
• Mackenzie Larsen as Marie
• Scott Hume as Charles Aberdeen III
• P G Pearson as Charles Aberdeen II
• Lauren Shotton as Lisa Aberdeen
• Chris McQuire as George Wallace
• Livvy Dawson as Holly Mansford

Liz Rogers, Dave Morris, Emma Graveling, Noah Carr-Kingsnorth, Hector Baldwin, Heather Cairnes and Alice Corrigan also feature in supporting roles.

Production

The film was shot by Landa Pictures with Luke Tedder both directing and writing.

Release

The film debuted in 2025 at several international festivals, including the Fortean Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim for Probert's nuanced nonverbal performance and cinematic storytelling. ^{[5] [6] [7]} It went on to win over twenty international film awards on the festival circuit. ^{[8] [9] [10]}

Scheduled at FrightFest 2025 on August 23, 2025, at the Odeon Luxe in the West End of London as part of the United Kingdom genre festival's main showcase. ^{[1] [11] [12]}

Rights for the United Kingdom and Ireland theatrical and VOD distribution have been secured by Ajamax Productions.

Reception

Vocal Media commented that the film has "big‑budget vibes" and an "impeccable" lead performance. ^[5]

References

1. "FIRST BLOOD - THE CARETAKER". frightfest.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
2. "BBFC | BBFC". www.bbfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
3. "Ascot film-maker to showcase film at Odeon in London West End". Bracknell News. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
4. "The Caretaker". Landa. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
5. "REVIEW - the Caretaker (Directed by Luke Tedder)".
6. "The Caretaker, United Kingdom (Critique Review) by Luke Tedder".
7. "Film Review: "The Caretaker" A narrative that explores human fragility and many more". 10 July 2025.
8. "The Caretaker". 27 April 2025.
9. "LAFA Winners - May 2025". 2 June 2025.
10. "APRIL 2025 | Crown Point Int. Film Fest".
11. "FrightFest 2025 Lineup". 10 July 2025.
12. "FrightFest 2025 reveals opening film 'The Home', closing movie 'Influencers' and more in full line-up reveal". 10 July 2025.