Draft:C.H. Squared Films

C.H. Squared Films

C.H. Squared Films LLC, commonly known as C.H. Squared, is an American independent film production company founded by Colin Henning and Chad Hylton.

2016–2019: Early Years

Colin Henning and Chad Hylton met at Purchase College, where Henning was in the Acting Conservatory and Hylton was in the Film BFA. The two met over coffee on campus; Henning watched one of Hylton's short films and reached out for some filmmaking advice. From there, the two became friends and collaborators, and then romantic partners.

Appalachian Dog

Overview

The company's first feature film, Appalachian Dog, was released March 21st, 2025 by Buffalo 8 Distribution, to positive reviews. Set in Post-War Appalachia, the Southern Gothic film oversees the tense reunion between a tailor husband and seamstress wife. The film was written and directed by Henning, who also stars alongside Georgia Morgan, Hayleigh Hart Franklin, and Brooke Elizabeth.

Themes and Representation

Appalachian Dog incorporates themes of queerness within its Appalachian setting. In an interview with The Dominion Post, director Colin Henning discussed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ elements in the film. He stated, “I’m a gay filmmaker. My partner helped me produce the movie. He also was the editor on it. So obviously, that’s a huge part of who I am. And I really wanted to have a story that depicts queer people with nuance, where they are not always making the best decisions, but that’s not really directly correlated to the fact that they are queer.” He added that it was important to "interweave a queer aspect into it pretty seamlessly, in a way that really is just about who these people are, whether they already know who they are, or they’re discovering who they are.”

In an interview with LRM Online, producer Chad Hylton discussed the film’s exploration of queer identity from a historical perspective. He noted that audiences often view history as distant or disconnected from contemporary experiences, but emphasized that "people have always felt these feelings," even without modern terminology. Director Colin Henning added that the film's depiction of queer identity contributes to its timeless quality, stating that he finds it meaningful to see how contemporary queer audiences interpret those themes.

Reception

Critical Response

Appalachian Dog received critical acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling, compelling performances, and striking cinematography. Critics highlighted the film's nuanced portrayal of its characters and the emotional depth conveyed through subtle interactions. Matthew Roe of Film Threat drew comparisons to Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire, describing the film as "a ballet of personalities, where the efforts of those attempting to be the most domineering end up directly leading to the sharpest and most tragic of downfalls." Virginia Schneider of The Hollywood Times called the film "a stunning debut release," adding that while "most indie filmmakers struggle to successfully produce an original, thematic and impactful story, C.H. Squared has nailed the formula." Richard Gray of The Reel Bits noted that the film "carves out a distinct corner of the world it inhabits," and praised its deliberate pacing and thematic restraint. He wrote, "Henning marks himself as a voice to watch, and it will be interesting to see what he does next." Debbie Lynn Elias of Behind the Lens described the film as "a sultry, post-WWII, Southern Gothic delight," and praised Henning as "already one of my favorite filmmakers of the next generation."

Performances

The performances in the film have garnered critical acclaim. Alise Chaffins of The Dominion Post praised the "slate of talented actors", writing, "There is longing, shame, secrecy, hope, and despair in each of these people, and the small cast is able to convey that well." Overly Honest Reviews emphasized Hayleigh Hart Franklin’s role as Peggie, which he described as adding "an essential layer of complexity" to the narrative. He noted that the "nuanced exchanges between Marion and Peggie—particularly one symbolic moment involving lipstick left behind on a glass—create poignant undertones without resorting to overly explanatory dialogue. This restrained storytelling gives viewers emotional space to interpret and appreciate characters’ unspoken feelings, revealing Henning's talent for crafting impactful moments from quiet interactions." Jones also commended Colin Henning’s performance as Teddy, writing that Henning and co-star Georgia Morgan delivered "a sincere and effective depiction of personal battles fought far from any actual warzone." Take 2 Indie Review described Henning’s portrayal as "like watching a powder keg on screen, with the fuse already lit," underscoring the film's emotional tension.

Cinematography and Sound Design

The cinematography and sound design in Appalachian Dog received critical acclaim. Aidan Macaluso's visual work was noted for its symbolic use of space and composition, while the sound design by Chad Hylton was praised for enhancing the film’s emotional and psychological atmosphere. J. Zimmerman of Video Librarian described the cinematography as "a treat of composition," noting that the staging contributed significantly to the film’s dramatic effect.

Overly Honest Reviews characterized the visual style as "remarkable," highlighting the use of theatrical framing and environmental symbolism to reflect the characters’ emotional entrapment. The review emphasized that elements such as windows and doorways were frequently used to enhance the sense of psychological confinement.

Take 2 Indie Review also praised the cinematography, writing: "Take any frame of the wilderness and hang it on your wall; that’s how striking the imagery is."

Matthew Roe of Film Threat commended both Macaluso’s and Hylton’s contributions, describing the cinematography as "an increasingly claustrophobic journey of tilted angles and frames-within-frames." He noted that even outdoor scenes maintained a sense of constraint, mirroring the characters' internal struggles. Roe also highlighted the sound design’s use of natural elements—such as wind, water, and animal sounds—blended with ambient droning to create a haunting soundscape. According to Roe, this approach lent even the quietest scenes an underlying tension, blurring the line between domestic drama and psychological thriller, writing "I wasn’t sure if I was about to watch a ‘coming home’ narrative where post-trauma knocks against the tides of change or was about to experience some creeping horror story where people violently lose their minds in the woods."