Take Care Now

Take Care Now is a short film written and directed by Richard Childs, built around a deceptively simple premise that gradually unravels into something far darker. The story follows a man escaping to a quiet Airbnb caravan for a few days to recover from a breakup. What begins as an attempt at solitude quickly takes an unexpected turn when a booking mix-up leaves him sharing the space with an older woman who was never meant to be there. The two reluctantly agree to coexist, each keeping out of the other’s way. But the uneasy arrangement soon reveals far more sinister intentions beneath the surface.

The film was designed to balance tonal contrasts. On the surface, the setup leans into awkward, situational comedy. Two strangers navigating an uncomfortable living arrangement creates moments of humor and tension in equal measure. Beneath that, the story slowly pivots into darker territory as the woman’s true motives begin to emerge. The script was built around that gradual tonal shift, allowing the audience to settle into something familiar before pulling the rug out from under them.

Production was deliberately crafted to elevate the intimacy of the setting. Shot on the ARRI Alexa with a tight crew of around fifteen, the film uses the confined space of the caravan to heighten both the comedy and the creeping unease between the characters. The limited environment demanded careful blocking and camera work to keep the scenes visually dynamic while preserving the claustrophobic tension that drives the narrative forward.

Post-production focused on refining that tonal balance. Editing and sound design played a crucial role in guiding the audience through the film’s shifts between awkward humour and psychological tension. The final result is a contained, character-driven story that leans heavily on performance and atmosphere.

Take Care Now went on to screen at several festivals including the Fastnet Film Festival and IndieCork Film Festival, alongside international selections such as the Hollywood Indie Film Festival. The film also found an ongoing audience online, streaming on Amadeo for well over a year and accumulating thousands of views. For a small independent production, it proved that a tightly crafted idea, executed with care, can travel far beyond its original setting.