The Gazer

A grounded sci-fi short film that delivers hope with a slight touch of humor. Jack was a promising scholar until his dedication to prove the existence of extra-terrestrial life consumed him into a mundane, repetitive cycle. THE GAZER is the story of Jack. Jack owns a small alien jerky shop in the desert. Aside from the occasional lost tourist, and a lizard hanging around his shop, Jack finds himself completely isolated. After his repetitive daily pattern is mysteriously interrupted, Jack is reminded of the passion and hope he once had to prove the existence of extra terrestrial life. Set in the vein of Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of The Third Kind, E.T., and Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed, The Gazer has nods to classic '70s and 80's grounded sci-fi films with brief moments of hyper-realism.

Directed by Spencer Drees, Eleni Rivera, The Gazer leans on a strong ensemble — Joshua Decker, Candice Marie Bennett, Bianca Milhailov — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2021.