**Marketing Synopsis:**

 

*“In the calm waters of heroism, the darkest secrets rise to the surface.”*

 

From award-winning Australian filmmaker James Cunningham comes *The Lifeguard*, a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the haunting duality of courage and guilt. Mateo Alvarez, celebrated as a local hero for saving three lives at a community pool, is poised to receive the Medal for Bravery. But behind the carefully curated image of selfless valor lies an ominous truth.

 

Set against the backdrop of a picturesque hotel room and the haunting echoes of splashing water, Mateo prepares for a high-stakes live television interview meant to solidify his reputation. As the day unfolds, fragments of unsettling memories emerge, plunging him into a chilling introspection about his past actions. What begins as a portrait of a hero unravels into a tale of deceit, moral compromise, and the chilling revelation of a man whose need for recognition might have crossed an unforgivable line.

 

In a bold and minimalist narrative, *The Lifeguard* builds relentless tension through intimate storytelling and evocative cinematography, leading to a shocking final confession that leaves audiences questioning the price of heroism and the depth of human darkness.

 

**James Cunningham delivers a masterclass in suspense with this thought-provoking short film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.**