How ‘Are We Still Married?’ Is Redefining Vampire Drama for a New Generation
Dustin Milligan—beloved for his endearing role in Schitt’s Creek—returns to the screen in a project that’s both emotionally charged and steeped in classic supernatural tradition. ‘Are We Still Married?’, which recently made waves at SXSW’s Independent TV Pilot Competition, delivers more intrigue, heartbreak, and wit in just 11 minutes than many full-length features. At the core of this short film is Jack, a newly-turned vampire desperate to be welcomed back into the home he once shared with his wife, Laura, portrayed by Taylor Misiak (best known for Dave). Their dynamic offers a nuanced twist on vampire lore: it’s not about forbidden love, but about the boundaries and fragility of marriage—rendered through the lens of the supernatural.
An Origin Story Rooted in Real Life
Kicking off as a personal anecdote from writer-director Kit Steinkellner, the script’s inception was uniquely grounded. A decade-old incident when her husband was bitten by a bat didn’t immediately seem like source material; rather, it was a story retold at gatherings until its potential crystallized. Out of a desire to direct something truly independent, often within the confines of a single location, Steinkellner latched onto the vampire concept. Drawing from her background (spanning award-winning comics and acclaimed series like Quince and Sorry For Your Loss), she transformed a quirky real-life memory into a vessel for exploring devotion and existential uncertainty.
Classic Rules, Fresh Stakes
Steinkellner’s creative choices pay homage to the icons of vampire fiction. She intentionally steered clear of modern embellishments—no sparkling skin, daytime rings, or convoluted mythologies. Instead, ‘Are We Still Married?’ operates under the established rules: vampires need an invitation to enter, shun sunlight, and find garlic suspicious at best. This disciplined approach isn’t about nostalgia, but clarity—allowing the relationship’s stakes to shine without distraction. There’s an everyday familiarity to how supernatural rules are applied, making the drama feel both intimate and universally relatable.
The Perfect Casting for Emotional Complexity
One of the short’s greatest assets is its casting. Milligan and Misiak shine in roles that walk the fine line between humor, heartache, and romantic tension. Their chemistry was no accident; a tip from casting savant Cara Rosenbaum (and friend of the director) pointed Steinkellner to her dream duo, with both actors bringing authenticity to characters on the brink of breaking—and reconciling—the rules of love.
The script’s standout moment sees Jack insisting he wouldn’t hesitate to let Laura in, should their roles be reversed. This isn’t just romantic rhetoric: it interrogates codependency and the sticky reality that sometimes, even love’s most steadfast promises require a leap of faith—or the courage to let go. Milligan’s portrayal highlights Jack’s genuine conviction, while Misiak’s Laura offers a quietly devastating counterpoint, questioning whether she can—if only for one night—imagine life apart.
What Lies Ahead: More Than Just a Short Film
Although ‘Are We Still Married?’ is wholly satisfying as a standalone piece, its compact runtime leaves a world of possibility untapped. As the project debuted in a TV pilot competition, speculation is already swirling about its future as a series or feature film. Steinkellner remains open, admitting the story grew organically without a grand blueprint—inviting the audience to wonder where Jack and Laura’s journey might go next. The appeal lies precisely in its ambiguity, reminiscent of how truly great genre works blossom into enduring, multi-chaptered sagas.
With razor-sharp direction, a clear love for the vampire canon, and a grounded emotional core, ‘Are We Still Married?’ is poised to refresh the supernatural genre for an audience hungry for something both haunting and heartfelt—where the real monsters might just be our own doubts and desires.
