Off Season (2025) by Skyler Carkhuff

“Off Season (2025)” by Skyler Carkhuff is a poignant drama centered on a couple seeking solace in a quiet Long Island beach town after a tragic loss. Their fragile peace is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious new family next door, triggering painful memories and forcing them to confront their grief and the state of their relationship. The film is described as a coming-of-age romantic drama, exploring themes of regret, redemption, and the complexities of human connection through a multi-timeline narrative.

Following the devastating loss of their son in a freak accident, Stephen and Molly Cohen retreat to the seemingly peaceful Long Island beach town of Montauk, hoping to find a quiet space to heal and navigate their grief. Their attempt to escape their painful past is disrupted when a new family moves into the house next door. The presence and actions of this strange family unexpectedly bring back a flood of painful memories for Stephen and Molly, forcing them to confront the unresolved trauma of their son’s death and the strain it has placed on their marriage.

The film unfolds as a multi-timeline narrative, interweaving the story of Stephen and Molly in the present with glimpses into the lives of another couple, potentially connected to the new neighbors or representing a past reflection of Stephen and Molly’s own relationship. This structure allows the film to explore themes of regret, the lingering impact of tragedy, and the search for redemption across different points in time. Set against the backdrop of Montauk during the stark, frozen winter months and contrasting with late-night scenes in New York City during the holiday season, the atmosphere plays a significant role in reflecting the emotional state of the characters. “Off Season” delves into the complexities of mourning, the challenges of maintaining a relationship under immense stress, and the way external events can unexpectedly force internal reckoning.

Stephen and Molly Cohen, a couple reeling from the loss of their son, move to Montauk for a fresh start. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when a new family moves in next door, their presence triggering painful memories related to the couple’s tragedy. The film follows Stephen and Molly as they grapple with their grief and their strained relationship, while a parallel timeline explores another couple’s story, hinting at connections and echoes across time.

Skyler Carkhuff describes “Off Season” as his personal take on the “New York love story,” aiming to capture the nuances of relationships amidst profound challenges. His vision is to explore the difficult process of mourning an “unfathomable loss” and the struggle to navigate a relationship on the verge of becoming “toxic.” Carkhuff intentionally sets the film against the stark beauty of Montauk in winter and the specific atmosphere of late-night New York during the holidays to create a backdrop that mirrors the internal emotional landscape of the characters. He intends the film to be a “love letter to this city and a story of life here unique to any depiction put on screen,” suggesting a focus on the specific emotional and environmental textures of these locations.

• Grief and Loss: The central theme revolves around the profound impact of losing a child and the individual and shared processes of mourning and attempting to heal from such a tragedy.

• Relationship Strain and Resilience: The film explores how immense grief tests the bonds of a marriage and the struggle to maintain connection and navigate challenges as a couple.

• Memory and the Past: The arrival of the new neighbors acts as a catalyst, bringing buried or painful memories to the surface and highlighting how the past continues to shape the present.

• The Concept of Home and Belonging: The couple’s move to Montauk signifies a search for a new sense of home and belonging after their lives have been upended, contrasting this with the unsettling presence of the new family.

• Regret and Redemption: The narrative, particularly with its multi-timeline structure, delves into themes of past decisions, potential regrets, and the possibility of finding some form of redemption or peace.

• The Impact of Environment: The film uses the distinct settings of wintery Montauk and urban New York to reflect and amplify the emotional states and experiences of the characters.

• Emotional Depth: The film’s focus on the heavy themes of grief and relationship struggles provides the potential for deep emotional resonance with the audience.

• Strong Performances: The effectiveness of the film will heavily rely on the ability of the lead actors to portray the complexities of grief and relationship tension authentically.

• Atmospheric Setting: The use of Montauk in the off-season and late-night New York can create a powerful and evocative atmosphere that complements the film’s themes.

• Relatable Human Experience: While centered on a specific tragedy, the film explores universal themes of loss, love, and the search for healing that can connect with a wide audience.

• Unique Narrative Structure: The multi-timeline approach offers a potentially compelling way to explore the interconnectedness of past and present and the lingering effects of trauma.

“Off Season” is a drama about a couple grieving the loss of their son who move to Montauk, only to have their lives disrupted by new neighbors, forcing them to confront painful memories and their strained relationship.

“Off Season” is an independent film directed and written by Skyler Carkhuff. The production appears to have focused on utilizing specific locations, such as Montauk during the winter, to create a distinct visual and emotional atmosphere. Skyler Carkhuff and Luke Marcus Rosen are credited as producers on the film.

Release Date on Streaming:

“Off Season (2025)” is scheduled for release on digital platforms and VOD on May 16th, 2025. It will be available on platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Cable and Satellite On Demand.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For Fans of Emotional Dramas: If you enjoy films that explore complex human emotions, particularly grief, loss, and the challenges of relationships, this movie is likely to resonate with you.

• Intriguing Premise: The concept of a grieving couple whose lives are disrupted by mysterious new neighbors offers a compelling and potentially suspenseful storyline.

• Focus on Character and Relationships: The film appears to be a character-driven story that delves into the dynamics between individuals and the impact of external events on their relationships.

• Atmospheric Setting: The use of Montauk in the off-season provides a unique and potentially evocative backdrop for the emotional narrative.

• Support Independent Film: Watching “Off Season” is a way to support independent filmmakers telling personal and intimate stories outside the mainstream.

• Explore Themes of Grief and Healing: The film offers an opportunity to reflect on the challenging process of coping with profound loss and the path towards healing.

• Experience a New York Story: As described by the director, the film offers a specific take on the “New York love story” and the experiences of living in and around the city.

• Appreciate Character Study: If you enjoy films that focus on the internal lives and relationships of characters, “Off Season” provides a likely opportunity for this.

• Discover Emerging Filmmaking Talent: Skyler Carkhuff is an independent filmmaker, and watching this film allows you to see his latest work.

• Engage with a Melancholy but Hopeful Tone: The film seems to blend elements of sadness related to grief with the potential for redemption and the resilience of human connection.

What Movie Trend film is following:

Trend Name: Intimate Indie Dramas Exploring Trauma and Relationships

Summary: “Off Season” aligns with the trend of independent films that focus on intimate, character-driven narratives exploring the impact of trauma, grief, and complex relationships on individuals and couples. These films often prioritize emotional authenticity and psychological depth, using specific settings to enhance the mood and themes. They tend to be produced outside the major studio system and often find distribution through festivals and digital platforms.

What Big Social Trend is following:

Trend Name: Increased Openness in Discussing Mental Health and Coping with Loss

Summary: The film touches upon the growing social trend of more open dialogue and exploration of mental health issues, particularly in the context of coping with significant loss and trauma. As societies become more aware of the importance of mental well-being, there is increased interest in stories that honestly depict the challenges of grief, the impact on relationships, and the process of seeking healing. “Off Season,” by centering its narrative around a couple’s struggle after losing their son, reflects this trend of bringing these personal and often difficult experiences to the forefront of storytelling.

“Off Season (2025)” appears to be a thoughtful and emotionally charged independent drama that delves into the difficult themes of grief, loss, and relationship dynamics. With its specific setting and multi-timeline structure, it offers a potentially unique and intimate portrayal of a couple’s journey through tragedy. While widespread critical reception is yet to be seen, the film holds promise for viewers who appreciate character-focused stories that explore the complexities of the human experience.

Recommendations for Filmmakers:

• Embrace Personal and Emotional Stories: “Off Season”‘s focus on a deeply emotional premise highlights the potential for compelling narratives found in exploring personal struggles and relationship complexities.

• Utilize Setting for Atmosphere: The intentional use of Montauk in winter suggests the power of choosing locations that can act as a character and enhance the film’s mood and themes.

• Explore Non-Linear Storytelling: The multi-timeline approach can be an effective tool for exploring the layers of memory, trauma, and how the past influences the present.

• Focus on Strong Performances: For dramas centered on emotional turmoil, investing in actors who can deliver nuanced and authentic performances is crucial.

• Consider Digital Distribution: The film’s release strategy through Freestyle Digital Media demonstrates a viable pathway for independent films to reach audiences in the current media landscape.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Independent Dramas: The industry should continue to support the production and distribution of independent dramas that focus on character and thematic depth, as these films contribute significantly to the diversity of cinematic storytelling.

• Promote VOD and Digital Releases: As digital platforms become increasingly important, the industry should find effective ways to promote and highlight VOD and digital releases of independent films to ensure they gain visibility.

• Recognize the Importance of Emotional Narratives: Films that explore difficult but universal human experiences like grief and relationship challenges resonate with audiences and should be actively sought out and supported.

• Provide Platforms for Emerging Directors: Supporting directors like Skyler Carkhuff allows new voices and perspectives to emerge in the film landscape.

• Facilitate Connections Between Filmmakers and Distributors: Making it easier for independent filmmakers to connect with distributors like Freestyle Digital Media is crucial for getting their films seen by audiences.

“Off Season (2025),” directed by Skyler Carkhuff, is an upcoming independent drama that promises an intimate and emotional exploration of grief, memory, and relationships. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Montauk, the film’s multi-timeline narrative structure aims to provide a nuanced look at a couple’s struggle after tragedy. Releasing digitally and on VOD, it represents a common distribution path for independent cinema today. While critical reception is yet to unfold, the film’s premise and thematic focus suggest it will appeal to viewers seeking thoughtful, character-driven stories that resonate on a personal level.