Morticia 2009
Nabil Shaban's haunting 2009 drama *Morticia* weaves a melancholic tale of childhood longing and identity through the eyes of an eleven-year-old Scottish girl who rejects her given name, Kylie, in favor of the gothic elegance of Morticia.
Director: Nabil Shaban
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morticia (2009) about?
This atmospheric short film follows an eleven-year-old girl in Edinburgh who rejects her Christian name and instead insists on being called Morticia, drawn to the gothic allure of vampires and longing for a father figure who embodies her dark fantasies.
Who directed Morticia?
Nabil Shaban directed *Morticia*, bringing a visually striking and emotionally charged approach to the coming-of-age story.
Who stars in Morticia?
The film features Nabil Shaban, Jenni Young, Sofie Alonzi, Ricky Callan, and Karen Douglas in key roles.
Is Morticia (2009) worth watching?
As an unrated 70-minute drama-horror hybrid, *Morticia* offers a unique and moody exploration of childhood fantasy and identity. Its unconventional narrative and gothic atmosphere may appeal to viewers seeking something different, though its brevity and limited cast suggest it's more of a niche curiosity than a mainstream pick.
How long is Morticia?
The runtime is 70 minutes.
About Morticia (2009) — A Child's Gothic Fantasy of Identity and Longing
Nabil Shaban's haunting 2009 drama *Morticia* weaves a melancholic tale of childhood longing and identity through the eyes of an eleven-year-old Scottish girl who rejects her given name, Kylie, in favor of the gothic elegance of Morticia. Living in Edinburgh, she fixates on the idea of a father who embodies the dark allure of a vampire—specifically, Dracula himself. Her vivid imagination transforms her surroundings into a shadowy dreamscape where she isn't just playing the role of a vampire; she becomes one, desperate for a sense of belonging in a world that feels alien to her.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of gothic imagery and quiet domestic unease, *Morticia* explores themes of alienation, the power of fantasy as escape, and the universal childhood desire to reinvent oneself. With a sparse but evocative runtime of 70 minutes, the film leans into its horror-drama hybrid identity, using minimal dialogue and stark visuals to underscore its protagonist's internal turmoil. Shaban's direction lends the story a dreamlike, almost surreal quality, making *Morticia* a brief but memorable meditation on growing up—and the monsters we sometimes wish we could truly become.