Michael Chaves: From TV Shorts to Hollywood Horror

If you’ve heard the name Michael Chaves lately, you probably saw it attached to a scary movie trailer or a news story about a new film. He’s the director behind recent hits like The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Curse of La Llorona. But who is he, and why do his movies feel different?

How Michael Chaves Got His Start

Michael began his career making short films and web series. In the early 2010s he created the popular horror series Chase Champion and later the digital horror anthology Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Those projects taught him how to build tension quickly – a skill that translates well to big‑budget movies where every minute counts.

His break came when New Line Cinema noticed his ability to mix scares with strong visual storytelling. They hired him to direct The Rift, a sci‑fi thriller that showed he could handle action and special effects. The movie didn’t break box‑office records, but it proved he could work with a crew, manage a budget, and keep an audience glued.

Signature Style and Big‑Screen Success

What sets Michael Chaves apart is his focus on atmosphere over jump‑scares. He likes to let a scene breathe, using shadows and sound to make you uneasy before anything bad happens. In The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, you can see that approach – long, quiet moments that build dread, then a sudden burst of terror.

He also loves to give characters real motives. Instead of a generic “evil spirit,” his movies often explore why the spirit is angry, which adds a layer of empathy. That makes the horror feel personal, not just a set piece.

Fans appreciate his willingness to experiment with folklore. The Curse of La Llorna pulls from Mexican legend, bringing a cultural twist that many mainstream horror films miss. By doing so, he taps into fresh stories while still delivering the scares audiences expect.

Beyond horror, Michael is curious about genre‑blending. He’s hinted at working on a superhero horror mash‑up, showing that he’s not afraid to push boundaries. That curiosity keeps his work lively and makes viewers wonder what he’ll try next.

For anyone looking to break into directing, Michael’s path offers a clear lesson: start small, master the craft, and be ready to take on bigger challenges when the chance appears. He proved that a solid portfolio of short, well‑executed projects can open doors to Hollywood.

Looking ahead, Michael Chaves has a few projects in the pipeline. Sources say he’s attached to a new supernatural thriller slated for a 2025 release, and he’s also consulting on a TV series that blends horror with mystery. While details are still under wraps, you can expect the same attention to mood and story that made his earlier films stand out.

Whether you’re a horror fan or just curious about new directors, keeping an eye on Michael Chaves is worth it. His movies deliver the chills you want, but they also give you something to think about after the credits roll. And with more projects on the horizon, the next few years could bring some of the most interesting scares you’ve seen.