Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions is at it again, proving that even the most mundane chores can be turned into a total nightmare. Their latest project, a short film titled Spilled Milk, takes that old cliché about a dad “going out for milk” and gives it a terrifying, supernatural twist. And it is one of the most talked-about projects at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The Concept: Meet “The Milk Man”
While we’ve all heard the joke or story about a father who goes on a quick errand and never returns. Spilled Milk takes that cultural anxiety and personifies it.
Directed by Jared Leaf, it follows a father whose trip for milk turns into a disturbing encounter with a figure known only as “The Milk Man.” It flips a familiar phrase into a high-stakes survival scenario that questions the nature of fatherhood, abandonment, and fear.
A Heavy-Hitting Cast
For a short film, this project has some serious star power. The cast features J. Alphonse Nicholson (P-Valley), Scott Mescudi (better known as Kid Cudi), Brandon Perea (reuniting with Monkeypaw after his breakout in Nope), and Jerry O’Connell (Scream 2, Stand by Me).
The “No Drama” Initiative
This film isn’t just a one-off; it’s part of the inaugural class of the “No Drama” initiative. This is a massive collaboration between Monkeypaw Productions and TIFF. It’s designed to give emerging horror filmmakers the resources they need to break through.
The goal is to support “new voices” in horror who want to explore personal and cultural fears. Each filmmaker in the program received a grant to bring their specific brand of “social horror” to life. Spilled Milk is one of five shorts in this collection aiming to redefine the genre by breaking traditional rules.
Why It’s on Our Radar
Jordan Peele has a gift for turning everyday social dynamics into something dangerous. By focusing on the “missing father” narrative, Spilled Milk isn’t just trying to make you jump—it’s trying to get under your skin by exploring deeper societal fears.
If you’re at TIFF, this is a must-see. For the rest of us, keep an eye on digital platforms as these “No Drama” shorts begin to roll out. Here’s a look at the Spilled Milk trailer to give you a taste of the terror to come. Also, keep your eye out for news about Peele’s upcoming feature film, Portrait of God, which sees him team up with Sam Raimi.
