Interview: Gene Fallaize / Control (2023)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) had the honour and pleasure of chatting with Gene Fallaize, director, writer and executive producer of Control (2023), available on DVD and Digital from April 3rd, thanks to Eagle Entertainment.

Let’s break the ice with a fun question: do you own a self-driving car?

No, I don’t; I drive a manual because I don’t trust the gears to change themselves! I’m just kidding. I don’t have anything against self-driving cars, although shooting 90% of a feature film inside any car is enough to put you off that particular type of car for life!

Let’s break the ice again: what is your all-time favourite movie and why?

My all-time favourite movie is Frank Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946). It’s not only shot and performed beautifully from a technical point of view, but as a story, it is perhaps the most fulfilling and enriching story I’ve ever seen and one in which all of us can learn lessons about life and our place in the world. I watch that film at least twice a year, once at Christmas (obviously), and usually once if I need to occasionally give myself a pep talk if things are feeling tough at work, which I definitely needed to when making ‘Control’!

As director and writer for Control, how did you develop the story?

We were actually working on another project when I had the initial idea for ’Control’ when I read somewhere that Tesla‘s has a ’summon’ feature, which, as I’m basically just a big child, excited the hell out of me because it made me think of Tim Burton’s Batman when Michael Keaton says “car” into his remote control and the car comes to him, which I thought was so cool that modern cars can do the same thing. It also scared me a bit, though, as I thought that now cars can be summoned or controlled by a cell phone, then what if the phone was hacked – which we know can and does happen – could the car, in turn, be controlled by the hacker? That was it, really, and when the right moment came, I wrote the script quite quickly, and we got rolling.

Do you personally enjoy directing or writing more?

To be honest, I write mostly out of necessity. However, as someone who has worked as a script doctor on many projects in the past, I have a lot of experience in writing. So, I started writing more original material, which I like. However, directing is and will remain my main passion and focus. There’s nothing like being a director in the world, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

 Kevin Spacey is fantastic as “The Voice.” Have you always had Kevin Spacey in mind for this role? 

‘Control’ came about initially as a gap filler between productions as my team and I were in the final stages of prep for another feature when our lead actress on that film was cast as a series regular in ‘Bridgerton’, so we knew we had about 8 months before we’d get her back. This was in September 2022, so that’s when I wrote the script for ‘Control’. As I was writing it, for about the first 5-10 pages, I had Kiefer Sutherland’s character from ‘Phone Booth’ (2002) in my head, but then I remembered that we had spoken to Kevin’s team previously, so I wrote the rest of the film specially for and with Kev in mind for the role, and just hoped he would respond well to it, which thankfully he did!

How did you react when Kevin Spacey accepted the part of “The Voice”, and what was it like working with him?

I was delighted when Kev accepted the role. He is an incredible actor. His two Oscars are proof of that. He has brought to life some of the most memorable characters in film history, so, of course, I was very excited to be working with an actor of his calibre. Working with him was great, both leading up to the recording sessions and while capturing his performance, which was a fantastic experience to see someone like that at work, and even more so when it’s your words he’s performing.

Speaking of performances, how did Lauren, the film’s lead, go on set pretending to be stuck in a moving vehicle most of the time?  

Lauren was just brilliant. I knew we would have to go with an unknown actor for the role, but very early on I knew that Lauren was going to be perfect for it, as she’s a very good dramatic actor, and it needed someone that could be on screen and hold audiences attention with just her face for 90% of the film, which I think she managed brilliantly. Practically, it was 7 days of her being in the car with just a dummy in the back most of the time, but we were nice enough to let her out of the car between setups.

Given that the film is set heavily in a self-driving vehicle, was it challenging story-wise to keep the movie enlightening, engaging, and thrilling?

‘Phone Booth’ (2002) was a key inspiration for the film, along with ‘Moon’ (2009), which are both pretty confined films with one main character talking to another, so I studied those and tried to make sure it didn’t become too stagnant by ensuring there are enough peaks and troughs. You can’t maintain a peak all the way through any film or the audience will lose interest, so it’s important to give breaks in between the action scenes to take it all in, which I hope we achieved. 

While making Control, what was your biggest hurdle/challenge?

Like most independent films, the biggest challenges are money and time. We knew we absolutely had to be finished with the film by May 2023 in time to sell it at the Cannes Film Festival and to get back on with our regular-budget feature, so time was a massive challenge on this, which meant that there were certain compromises. The same with the budget. We would have loved to have more money to play with, and we could have done so much more with it, but it takes time to raise money, so we had to go with what we had available, which limited everything we could do. But my team and I all did the very best we could do with the limitations we had, and I’m proud of my entire team for pulling off such a huge task successfully. 

What was your most enjoyable moment while working on this film?

My favourite moments were on the last day of main-unit filming, where we shot the end scenes of the film. I don’t want to give too much away, but there were a lot of vehicles, a lot of extras, and just a lot going on. Plus, I got to break something big and expensive for the film’s sake, which is always fun! So that was a great day. Also, the day of the World Premiere in London back in November was pretty special, as it was a day of media interviews before heading to the venue. There’s nothing like standing in front of 500 people about to watch a film you made to make you question everything you’ve done for the previous year, but it went great.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can reveal?  Would you like to continue making films in the thriller genre?

Yes, my team and I are currently working on a thriller at the moment, which goes into the unexplored background story of another story that already exists as a movie. I can’t give much more at this stage, but it’s something I’m extremely excited to be directing. As for thriller films in the future, I’d say thrillers are probably my favourite genre as an audience member, but as a director, for me, it’s all about the story and the characters. I don’t really care what genre a story identifies as, as long as it’s got a story and characters that I care about and want to see more of. If it does that, then I’m open to any genre. 

As our interview ends, why should the people of Australia check out Control on DVD & Digital from April 3rd?

I think ‘Control’ is worth watching primarily to see two great actors in action, Kevin Spacey in his first commercially released film in several years, and one which adds to the rich history of characters he has created, and also to see fresh talent in the form of Lauren, who manages to not only hold her own alongside a 2-time Oscar winner, which is not easy but also gives a great performance in her own right. If anyone is interested in Kevin Spacey, thrillers, or films about AI or future technology, then it’s definitely for them. And if not, give it a watch anyway, as my blood, sweat and tears all went into it!

Control (2023) is available on DVD & Digital in Australia starting April 3rd!

18th March 2024
Written by Peter Walkden

THANK YOU FOR VISITING!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You might also enjoy these reviews

Irresistible (2006)

Sophie (Susan Sarandon) is a married woman and mother of two children. An artist, Sophie, is working from home on a new book as well as dealing with the tragic loss of her mother, who recently passed away. On top of dealing with her recent loss, Sophie is pressured to...

Azrael (2024)

Welcome to a new world unlike anything you've seen before. It is set after the Rapture, and those who remain on earth are unable to speak a single word. The film opens with a woman named Azrael (Samara Weaving) on the run, filled with fear and panic as she sprints...

Fear Below (2024)

A group of dangerous mob men are travelling by car, armed with weapons. Hidden in the car's trunk are several wooden boxes of gold bullion. While driving at high speed, the driver swerves to avoid something on the road, causing a tragic accident. Although the men are...

Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker (Joaquin Phoenix), is imprisoned in Arkham Asylum. In the past, he entertained the guards with jokes and silliness, especially Jackie (Brendan Gleeson), but now he is silent and withdrawn, with no interest in amusing anyone. While...

The Critic (2023)

In London, Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is a well-known theatre critic for a respected, friendly newspaper. As a critic, Jimmy is known for his honesty, but he can also be harsh and use foul descriptions or cruel wording. His most recent review harshly criticises one...

V/H/S/Beyond (2024)

As with all V/H/S films, various short films are intersected with a wraparound story. In this V/H/S instalment, a TV show hosted by Mitch Horowitz intersects with various videos about alien encounters. Are you ready to watch the latest V/H/S tape? Strap in....

The Wild Robot (2024)

After a crash landing on an island on Earth, a highly advanced and smart-thinking robot named Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself in surroundings entirely unlike anything she has ever seen. The island is filled with wild animals, and the environment is...

The Black Mass (2023)

On January 14th, 1978, a serial killer was on the loose. The male killer stalks and pickpockets the locals of a town in Tallahassee, successfully stealing cash and IDs, and even blending in with anyone suspicious or uncomfortable with his presence. The killer is also...

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Bo, also known as the Bandit (Burt Reynolds), is a highly skilled driver who loves to show off his abilities for cash. Although he doesn't have much money, he manages to get by and enjoy life. One day, he is approached by two wealthy strangers, Big Enos (Pat...

Sasquatch Sunset (2024)

In a North American forest, we follow a family of Sasquatches. There are four members to the family: the Alpha male (Nathan Zellner), a female (Riley Keough), a young male (Jesse Eisenberg), and a child (Christophe Zajac-Denek). The story spans a year, beginning in...

Subservience (2024)

A happy family home is turned upside down when the mother, Maggie (Madeline Zima), experiences tragic health issues related to her heart and needs urgent care at the hospital. This leaves Nick (Michele Morrone) to care for their two small children while juggling his...

The Speedway Murders (2023)

On November 17, 1978, in a town known as Speedway in Indianapolis, a tragic and unexplainable event occurred at a popular fast-food restaurant, Burger Chef. After a busy night in the restaurant, the four staff members on duty suddenly went missing while closing the...

Blackout (2023)

A couple’s night of romance and passion under the brightly lit night sky is abruptly interrupted when a monster-like creature appears, and the pair are brutally murdered. After this introduction to the town, we meet Charley (Alex Hurt), a talented artist facing...

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Rain (Cailee Spaeny) lives and works on a planet where darkness covers the entire surface. Employed by Wayland Industries, she has spent much of her life working under challenging conditions. After years of harbouring hopes and dreams of leaving the planet with her...

Afraid (2024)

Curtis Pike (John Cho) is a collaborator who works with innovators and technology creators who have groundbreaking ideas but need help turning them into reality. At a meeting with clients, Curtis is introduced to a revolutionary new technology - a digital assistant...

The Taste of Things (2023)

In 1889, in France, we follow the story of Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a highly skilled chef, and Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who works as a cook closely by his side. The movie begins with Dodin and Eugénie preparing various meals, and Eugénie selecting vegetables from a...

Antebellum (2020)

This story follows a woman (played by Janelle Monáe) who is currently a slave on a plantation site.  Like this woman, many other slaves are forced to work and do horrific things.  Many have tried to escape, but each attempt ends with tragic and heartbreaking...

Demonic (2021)

Carly (Carly Pope) is a woman who is regularly haunted by a tragic past involving her mother’s disappearance. Soon, she receives a message from an old acquaintance named Martin, who, at first, she ignores. But after much debate, she agrees to meet with him. ...

Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! (2022)

The gang is back! Mystery Inc is investigating a new case, and we witness a significant showdown with the gang tackling what seems to be a large and fierce cat on a snowy mountain. Naturally, Scooby (Frank Weller), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and the gang find a way...

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

1st things 1st, allow me to explain where this film actually sits within the Star Wars Universe for those who might unaware or unsure. Star Wars: Rogue One can be classed as a both Prequel and Sequel as this film sits between Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)...

Psycho Goreman (2020)

Beginning with a written narration scrolling on the screen, we learn about a distant planet far away named Gigax. On Gigax, a nameless evil ruled supreme and was unstoppable until becoming imprisoned. After this narration, we head to Earth and follow a young girl...

Sputnik (2020)

Set in the early 80s, two men in a Soviet spacecraft are in space on a mission. But the mission turns for the worst when something mysterious occurs. The spacecraft crash lands back on Earth, leaving the ship’s commander alive and the other crewmember dead. The...

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

After saving the world with the Avengers, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) leads a laid-back life and has managed to write a hit-selling book. Hope (Evangeline Lilly) is highly regarded and successful, and her company is changing the future in ways people could never imagine....

Kiss The Girls (1997)

Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) is a police detective and a forensic psychologist.  He receives word about a mysterious person who is kidnapping and murdering several women. Alex becomes even more invested in the case once he discovers that one of the victims is his...

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Based on the well-known videogame character, thanks to Sega. Sonic lives a peaceful life within his homeworld until the hero himself becomes in danger. The only way to be kept safe and stay alive is to use one of his magical rings which allows him to a new dimension....

Review List

Irresistible (2006)

Sophie (Susan Sarandon) is a married woman and mother of two children. An artist, Sophie, is working from home on a new book as well as dealing with the tragic loss of her mother, who recently passed away. On top of dealing with her recent loss, Sophie is pressured to...

Azrael (2024)

Welcome to a new world unlike anything you've seen before. It is set after the Rapture, and those who remain on earth are unable to speak a single word. The film opens with a woman named Azrael (Samara Weaving) on the run, filled with fear and panic as she sprints...

Fear Below (2024)

A group of dangerous mob men are travelling by car, armed with weapons. Hidden in the car's trunk are several wooden boxes of gold bullion. While driving at high speed, the driver swerves to avoid something on the road, causing a tragic accident. Although the men are...

Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker (Joaquin Phoenix), is imprisoned in Arkham Asylum. In the past, he entertained the guards with jokes and silliness, especially Jackie (Brendan Gleeson), but now he is silent and withdrawn, with no interest in amusing anyone. While...

The Critic (2023)

In London, Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is a well-known theatre critic for a respected, friendly newspaper. As a critic, Jimmy is known for his honesty, but he can also be harsh and use foul descriptions or cruel wording. His most recent review harshly criticises one...

V/H/S/Beyond (2024)

As with all V/H/S films, various short films are intersected with a wraparound story. In this V/H/S instalment, a TV show hosted by Mitch Horowitz intersects with various videos about alien encounters. Are you ready to watch the latest V/H/S tape? Strap in....

The Wild Robot (2024)

After a crash landing on an island on Earth, a highly advanced and smart-thinking robot named Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself in surroundings entirely unlike anything she has ever seen. The island is filled with wild animals, and the environment is...

The Black Mass (2023)

On January 14th, 1978, a serial killer was on the loose. The male killer stalks and pickpockets the locals of a town in Tallahassee, successfully stealing cash and IDs, and even blending in with anyone suspicious or uncomfortable with his presence. The killer is also...

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Bo, also known as the Bandit (Burt Reynolds), is a highly skilled driver who loves to show off his abilities for cash. Although he doesn't have much money, he manages to get by and enjoy life. One day, he is approached by two wealthy strangers, Big Enos (Pat...

Sasquatch Sunset (2024)

In a North American forest, we follow a family of Sasquatches. There are four members to the family: the Alpha male (Nathan Zellner), a female (Riley Keough), a young male (Jesse Eisenberg), and a child (Christophe Zajac-Denek). The story spans a year, beginning in...

Subservience (2024)

A happy family home is turned upside down when the mother, Maggie (Madeline Zima), experiences tragic health issues related to her heart and needs urgent care at the hospital. This leaves Nick (Michele Morrone) to care for their two small children while juggling his...

The Speedway Murders (2023)

On November 17, 1978, in a town known as Speedway in Indianapolis, a tragic and unexplainable event occurred at a popular fast-food restaurant, Burger Chef. After a busy night in the restaurant, the four staff members on duty suddenly went missing while closing the...

Blackout (2023)

A couple’s night of romance and passion under the brightly lit night sky is abruptly interrupted when a monster-like creature appears, and the pair are brutally murdered. After this introduction to the town, we meet Charley (Alex Hurt), a talented artist facing...

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Rain (Cailee Spaeny) lives and works on a planet where darkness covers the entire surface. Employed by Wayland Industries, she has spent much of her life working under challenging conditions. After years of harbouring hopes and dreams of leaving the planet with her...

Afraid (2024)

Curtis Pike (John Cho) is a collaborator who works with innovators and technology creators who have groundbreaking ideas but need help turning them into reality. At a meeting with clients, Curtis is introduced to a revolutionary new technology - a digital assistant...

Synanon (1965)

One day, Zenkie (played by Alex Cord) wanders the city streets with his close friend. Stoned out of his mind and barely functional, he discovers a Synanon building run by Chuck Dederich (played by Edmond O’Brien). Synanon is a corporation whose primary business is to...

Jessica (1962)

In a stunning Sicilian village, Father Antonio (Maurice Chevalier) speaks to the audience through the fourth wall, telling us all about his village. We understand that the town consists of hard-working people who never nap during the day (well, unless it's during a...

The Last Stop In Yuma County (2023)

A knife salesman (Jim Cummings) is on his way to see his daughter for her birthday. As he passes through Arizona, he must make a stop for fuel at a petrol station, which also happens to be a diner. Unfortunately, Vernon (Faizon Love), a worker at the petrol station,...

The Emu War (2023)

On an Australian battlefield, soldiers are in position amidst gunfire and explosions in the distance. Major Meredith (played by Damian Callinan) receives orders to retreat and not engage with the enemy up ahead. However, when a nearby explosion occurs, he disobeys and...

Sweetwater (2023)

In 1990, in Chicago, a sportswriter (Jim Caviezel) leaves a hotel and jumps into the back of a taxi, telling the driver he's headed to the airport. On the radio, the sportswriter can hear a basketball game, which catches the sportswriter's attention, and he comments...

JSA Joint Security Area (2000)

Set in the DMZ, the area separating North and South Korea, the film opens with vague and unclear footage surrounding a shooting incident. A bullet was fired in a tense nighttime atmosphere. While it's unclear what exactly happened, we soon learn that two North Korean...

Crosstalk (1982)

Ed (Gary Day) is a high-tech computer genius. Working on his latest computer creation, the i500 has put him under extreme pressure, and he needs another month to prepare the new computer system and resolve various malfunctioning issues. Despite being at risk of...

Triangle (2009)

Throughout the opening credits, we watch Jess (Melissa George), who is at home attempting to comfort her son, who seems to have woken up from a bad dream. While in Jess’ house, we witness strange and unexplained events, such as someone ringing her doorbell, only to...

Lady Stay Dead (1981)

Marie (Deborah Coulls) is a celebrity. One day, while participating in a photoshoot outside her luxury home, a maintenance man named Gordon (Chard Hayward) is among the many people milling about. It's evident that Gordon desires Marie for her appearance, and he's...

A Million Days (2023)

In 2041, Earth is facing an Ecological Collapse. Humanity's survival depends on establishing an interplanetary civilisation. The Seed program has been developed to colonise new worlds, and making this mission possible is a single entity- an artificial intelligence...

Dating the Enemy (1996)

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two substances: if there is any reaction, but they are transformed” - Carl Jung. Brett (Guy Pearce) lives in Melbourne, Australia, and works full-time as a host for a television program that discusses all things...

The Quiet Family (1998)

It has been 13 days since the Kang family moved from the city to start a new life near a mountain. Despite knowing nothing about the mountain lodge business, the family made the bold move to buy an old Misty Inn resort at a bargain price from the village headman, Mr...

The Demon Disorder (2024)

Brothers Jake (Dirk Hunter) and Phillip (Charles Cottier) wake up one morning and make a terrible discovery about some animal stock on their farm. Adding to the disfigured livestock, Jake is also suspicious about how Phillip is behaving. Jake drives out to visit his...

Oddity (2024)

Introducing a unique murder mystery.  Dani (Carolyn Bracken) is renovating her large, old home with her husband, Ted (Gwilym Lee). As Dani works on the renovations and their home, Ted works full-time as a doctor. While working, Dani often worries about her twin...

Love and Other Catastrophes (1996)

Alice (Alice Garner) and Mia (Frances O’Connor) are two film students struggling with various life challenges, such as finding a new roommate to assist with rent and navigating the complexities of finding love and romance. It's been three years since Alice has had a...

Dead End Drive-In (1986)

Opening with text on the screen, various historical moments are introduced. Starting in Sydney on January 26th, 1988, the Bicentennial celebration sparked “The Rocks Riot”, and fifty-one people died. Following the Rocks Riot, Mururoa Atoll was destroyed by a nuclear...

The United States of Leland (2003)

As fifteen-year-old Leland Fitzgerald (Ryan Gosling) tells us about a day he can’t remember very well, we watch a young boy on his bike in a park. It’s obvious from Leland’s narrative that something horrible and tragic occurred in the park concerning the boy on the...

Walden (2023)

Walden (Emile Hirsch) works full-time as a stenographer, recording every spoken word in a courtroom. Holding a remarkable record of typing 343 words per minute, Walden takes his job seriously and proudly. Given the nature of his work, he has been exposed to many...

The Blind Sea (2024)

Matt Formston is a blind surfer from Australia. Despite having only 3% vision, Matt has always pursued his long-term dreams and goals, especially in sports, never allowing his disability to hold him back. His determination, passion, and skills as a surfer have earned...

Detained (2024)

The film starts with various police and forensics officers investigating the wreckage of a police precinct. Among the casualties, the police find a message written on a wall in blood. But what does it all signify? Taking us back in time to 4 am of the same day, we see...

Trap (2024)

Cooper (Josh Hartnett) is taking his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to one of the biggest concerts of her lifetime. The pop sensation Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) is taking to the stage, and the concert will be packed with over twenty thousand screaming...

Sleeping Dogs (2024)

When Roy Freeman (Russell Crowe) wakes up in the morning, he’s in a house filled with notes and illustrations explaining each room. His head is bandaged, and he suffers more pain and agony when trying to recall aspects of his past. When he enters his bathroom, he...

Handling the Undead (2024)

In Oslo, the movie follows three families dealing with loss and death. As Mahler (Bjørn Sundquist) visits his daughter, Anna (Renate Reinsve), it's clear that they are dealing with the loss of a loved one, and there is obvious friction between the pair. Their brief...

In a Violent Nature (2024)

In a mysterious location in unoccupied bushland, a pair of young adults are examining the remains of a fire tower that had burned down some time ago. While exploring, one discovers a tiny golden locket and keeps it. After some small talk, the pair walks away. Little...

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), is experiencing a midlife crisis. After facing the rejection of his long-term dreams, things have only gotten worse for him. Wade is also struggling in his relationship with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Despite the challenges,...

Final Cut (1980)

A filmmaker, Chris (Lou Brown), and his journalist girlfriend, Sarah (Jennifer Cluff), set out to make a documentary focusing on wealthy businessman Dominic Black (David Clendenning). Dominic is not your typical businessman; he is known for hosting various...

My Spy: The Eternal City (2024)

Continuing from where we last left them, the highly skilled CIA operative JJ (Dave Bautista) and his stepdaughter Sophie (Chloe Coleman) are happily living together with Sophie’s mum. JJ has taken a desk job with the CIA instead of being an action man in the field,...

Longlegs (2024)

Attention all readers: Please be aware that Longlegs contains significant spoilers. To fully enjoy the film, it's best to know as little as possible. Hearing about the storyline or learning about my opinion of the film could spoil your experience. You have been...

Birdeater (2023)

Louie (Mackenzie Fearnley) and Irene (Shabana Azeez) met at a party and have since become quite fond of each other, so much so that they now live together and are engaged. With every exciting engagement comes something non-negotiable- naturally, I'm talking about the...

Mr. Blake At Your Service (2024)

Andrew Blake (John Malkovich) struggles to cope after losing his wife, Diane. His depression and lack of motivation even lead to him skipping an award ceremony in his honour. On a whim, he decides to leave his home in London to revisit France and his past in an...

Hundreds of Beavers (2022)

In the 19th century, we follow Jean Kayak (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews), the owner of Jean Kayak's Acme Applejack. Jean enjoys life to the fullest and spends most of his days getting drunk and serving the finest drink to the community. However, pesky beavers often...

Kill (2023)

Amrit (Lakshya Lalwani) is a captain and army commando. As he returns from a recent mission, he receives word that his true love Tulika (Tanya Maniktala) is now engaged due to her parents organising an arranged marriage. Meeting with her, he begs Tulika to run away...

Breakwater (2023)

Dovey (Darren Mann) is about to be released from prison after serving several years. Before he's released, his close friend and fellow inmate, Ray (Dermot Mulroney), approaches Dovey, seeking his help. Ray figures, given that he's been there for Dovey during his...

Sidonie in Japan (2023)

Sidonie (Isabelle Huppert) is a renowned writer invited to travel to Osaka, Japan, for six days. A Japanese publisher plans to republish Sidonie's first book, and she is now being given the opportunity to sign copies of the book in person for long-term fans and...

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot (2024)

In Deep East Texas, in a small community called Possum Trot, the year is 1996. Donna (Nika King) tells the audience about the pivotal moments of her life, including falling in love with Reverend W.C. Martin (Demetrius Grosse), getting married, and having children....

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) is living in a hospice, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. Offering her comfort and joy is a sweet black and white cat named Frodo. After she attends a group counselling session, Samira's nurse, Reuben (Alex Wolff), invites her to join other...

Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Once again, we follow Gru (Steve Carell) as he continues to work secretly for AVL (Anti-Villain League). During his most recent undercover operation, Gru successfully apprehended a new kind of supervillain named Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), who has a massive...

Woman Who Came Back (1945)

Near Boston lies a small town, Eben Rocks, a quiet and peaceful community- at least on the surface. Three hundred years ago, the town saw significant upheaval as innocent people were branded as witches. As a result, some were unjustly condemned to death and burned at...

Interview: Lance Larson / Deadland (2023)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) had the honour and pleasure of chatting with Lance Larson, director and one of the writers of Deadland (2023), available on Digital from June 26th in Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution. Let's...

Deadland (2023)

Angel (Roberto Urbina), a U.S. border Agent, and his partner Ray (McCaul Lombardi) run a tight ship maintaining the border. One day, while patrolling, Angel receives a call and satellite coordinates about suspicious activity nearby. When he arrives and investigates...

The Promised Land (2023)

Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) has returned home after twenty-five years of service in the German army. To start his life anew, he seeks permission to cultivate the barren lands of Jutland Heath. However, the leadership of the King at The Royal Treasury informs him...

The Man Who Haunted Himself (1970)

Harold Pelham (Roger Moore) is a successful business executive who lives with his wife and two children. One morning, Pelham drives to work and unexpectedly is involved in a tragic car crash. Fortunately, he survives and eventually makes a full recovery. After...

The Exorcism (2024)

Actor Anthony Miller, also known as Tony (Russell Crowe), is preparing for an upcoming audition for a dramatic horror film.  At the same time, his daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), returns home after being suspended from school.  Tony hopes that succeeding in...

Inside Out 2 (2024)

It’s been a while since we last saw Riley (Kensington Tallman). Recently, Riley turned thirteen and has officially entered her teenage years. Once again, we delve into her mind's lively range of emotions - joy, disgust, sadness, fear, and anger. There have been...

The Watchers (2024)

Mina (Dakota Fanning) is a young artist who works at a pet store in western Ireland. Aside from her job and passion for drawing, she enjoys assuming different identities at local bars to pursue one-night stands. Mina frequently receives phone calls from her sister,...

Frogman (2023)

On August 7th, 1999, a family was on vacation, making several stops.  During their travels, they ended up in a town called Loveland and discovered something strange near some bushes.  Thanks to a family video recorder, the family's youngest member,...

Uptight (1968)

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee and was buried in Atlanta, Georgia. His death had a significant impact on the community of Cleveland, Ohio, leading to ongoing crowds and riots. Four days after King's funeral, we follow Tank...

The Music of Chance (1993)

Jack Pozzi (James Spader) is a professional card player and gambler. One day, he is found lying on the side of the road in a suit covered in blood. Jim Nashe (Mandy Patinkin), who is driving by, offers Jack a ride, and a friendship begins. Living off a large...

About Last Night (1986)

Danny (Rob Lowe) and Bernie (Jim Belushi) are good friends who live in Windy City. While walking around the streets, Bernie boasts about his latest romantic conquest, and Danny listens eagerly. Later, they enjoy playing baseball with their close friends, and a group...

Delia’s Gone (2022)

Louis (Stephan James) lives with his sister Delia (Genelle Williams). One day, when Louis and Delia are driving into town, Delia requests that Louis stop the vehicle and pull over. Delia leaves the car with a gun, which surprises Louis, but when he questions the...

Alice in Terrorland (2023)

After a tragic fire takes her parents' lives, Alice (Lizzy Willis) must move in with her grandmother, Beth (Rula Lenska), in a woodland home. As Alice tries to cope with the loss of her parents, Beth offers her various forms of comfort and support, including reading...

Stopmotion (2023)

Ella (Aisling Franciosi) is a highly skilled stop-motion animator. While working on her newest project, animating various monsters, we discover that her mother, Suzanne (Stella Gonet), is watching and guiding Ella's every move. Suzanne is guiding the entire film,...

Sight (2024)

Set in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2007, we follow a successful laser surgeon, Dr Ming Wang (Terry Chen), who works at the Vision Institute. Dr Wang has spent over a decade bringing young children out of darkness by fixing their vision. Many in the media and public claim...

The Beast (2023)

The film opens with a woman (Léa Seydoux) acting in a room surrounded by nothing but a large green screen. Instructions are given, and the actress is informed where key objects are. Lastly, the actress is advised about the location of ‘The Beast’ so she can react....

The Garfield Movie (2024)

When a tiny kitten is abandoned by his father and left alone in an alleyway in the rain, he discovers a restaurant serving hot pasta and pizza. Sitting all alone inside the restaurant is Jon (Nicholas Hoult). By luck, Jon discovers the tiny orange kitten outside the...

Clawfoot (2023)

Janet (Francesca Eastwood) is a housewife living in a luxury upper-class suburb. Upon waking up, she finds her husband, Evan (Nestor Carbonell), has apparently vanished. Despite supposedly going away on a work trip, his luggage is still in the house. To make matters...

Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever (2023)

In an interrogation room, a young man named Bent Segenius Midjord (Casper Kjær Jensen) is being questioned by an officer named Kramer (Paprika Steen). Bent is covered in blood, and Kramer accuses him of cutting a vicar's throat. During the interview, Bent claims that...

Corner Office (2022)

Orson (Jon Hamm) is a new employee at The Authority Inc. On a snowy morning, he parks his car and begins his first day, hoping for great things ahead.  Walking through the front door, he feels at peace, as if he has come to the right place. Through narration, we...

Jericho Ridge (2023)

In North Washington, Deputy Tabby (Nikki Amuka-Bird) wakes up and prepares for her day as a sheriff. She takes various pills, and we see her moving about with a crutch due to her bad limp. While Tabby has been a sheriff for some time, she has been on leave due to her...

Crocodile Swarm (2024)

Four friends decide to enter an old cave that used to be a mining system. As they enter the mine, they discover a lighting system that, once powered up, makes it far easier to wander around instead of just relying on lighting from their helmets. Soon, they hear...

The Taste of Things (2023)

In 1889, in France, we follow the story of Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a highly skilled chef, and Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who works as a cook closely by his side. The movie begins with Dodin and Eugénie preparing various meals, and Eugénie selecting vegetables from a...

Golda (2023)

In 1974, Golda Meir, played by Helen Mirren, attends a hearing where she is asked to speak about The Yom Kippur War in 1973, during her tenure as the Prime Minister of Israel. Sworn in to tell the truth, she reflects and recounts her experiences. Despite dealing with...

Skeletons in the Closet (2024)

Mark (Terrence Howard) lives with his wife, Valentina (Valery M. Ortiz), and their daughter, Jenny (Appy Pratt), in a peaceful home. One morning, Mark prepares himself for work, speaking positively about himself to build confidence and ask for a pay raise. Meanwhile,...

Infested (2023)

A group of men carrying large knives and other equipment are exploring a mysterious desert, hoping to discover riches or perhaps a rare species. When one of the men lifts a large rock and finds a strange hole in the sand, he’s curious to see what’s inside. Instead of...

Conan the Destroyer (1984)

When Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is surrounded and attacked by a group of unknown armed men—whether to kill him or for some other reason-, he does what he does best: uses his sword to protect himself and his sidekick Malak (Tracey Walter). After defending himself...

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003)

The story follows a blind man named Zatôichi (Takeshi Kitano). We meet him as he takes a break from walking on a dirt road, and a group attempt to rob and murder him. He easily defends himself despite being completely blind. Zatôichi is a master swordsman with a...

Lost in the Stars (2022)

He Fei (Zhu Yilong) and his wife, Li Muzi (Huang Kay), go on a holiday together in Southeast Asia to celebrate their anniversary. Unfortunately, while they looked forward to relaxation and celebration, the holiday turns for the worst as Li Muzi suddenly disappears. He...

The Book of Solutions (2023)

Marc (Pierre Niney) is a passionate filmmaker determined to complete and unveil his latest film. However, when Marc presents his current work to a group of producers, they find the storyline impossible to understand and the imagery and style awful. Instead of letting...

Bluey S3. EP49 – The Sign (2024)

It's time for the biggest event of the year. The Heeler family is having a wedding in their backyard for Uncle Rad's (Patrick Brammall) and Aunt Frisky's (Claudia O’Doherty) wedding. At the same time, The Heelers are dealing with massive changes, particularly with...

Interview: Allee-Sutton Hethcoat / The Stolen Valley (2022)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) was delighted to chat with Allee-Sutton Heathcoat, actress from The Stolen Valley (2022), available digitally from April 17th in Australia and New Zealand thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution....

Interview: Briza Covarrubias / The Stolen Valley (2022)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) enjoyed chatting with Briza Covarrubias, the lead actress of The Stolen Valley (2022), available digitally from April 17th in Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution....

Interview: Jesse Edwards / The Stolen Valley (2022)

Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) enjoyed chatting with Jesse Edwards, director, writer and one of the producers of The Stolen Valley (2022), available digitally from April 17th in Australia and New Zealand, thanks to Lightbulb Film Distribution....

Civil War (2024)

In the near future, the United States of America has undergone significant changes. At every turn, the world is plagued by war, violence, and suffering. This film follows the journey of a group of war journalists - Lee (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura), and Sammy...

Bluey S3. EP48 – Ghostbasket (2024)

Hoping to finally make a house sale, Bandit is parked outside the Heeler's home, pretending to be a real estate agent. Chilli, the potential customer, is given a tour of the house; however, the tour is interrupted by the current homeowners, Janet and Rita, also known...

Origin (2023)

A young (black) man walks around the streets one evening while chatting playfully with a young girl on the phone. While walking, he stops at a local corner store and continues his conversation. But when a car drives past him, he begins to suspect that the mysterious...

The Stolen Valley (2022)

Lupe (Briza Covarrubias) is a Mexican-Navajo mechanic who saves every dollar with her mother, Adamina (Paula Miranda), to buy their own sanctuary and home. On the flip side, Maddy (Allee Sutton Hethcoat) is currently homeless, with no money in her pocket and desperate...

Freud’s Last Session (2023)

The story is set in 1939 London, where tensions are high as the German forces have recently invaded Poland. The story's protagonist is C.S. Lewis (Matthew Goode), and he is joined by Sigmund Freud (Anthony Hopkins). After reading C.S. Lewis' latest book, Pilgrim's...

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Through a montage and voiceover, we are transported into the world of the 1970s. It was a time of fear, mistrust, terror, and violence. And who was there to document all the chaos? Television. In 1971, a new late-night program called "Night Owls" was launched, and a...

Robot Dreams (2023)

Set in Manhattan around the eighties, we follow Dog, who currently lives on his own. Dog is at a point where being alone has become boring. He spends his evenings playing video games or watching late-night television. Keen for a change, Dog soon discovers an...

Before Dawn (2024)

It is Friday, February 18th- 189 days since Jim (Levi Miller) and his fellow ANZACs left home. Amidst the continuous rainfall and long walks, they find it impossible to rest. The introduction is accompanied by flashbacks, allowing us to learn that in 1916, Jim was in...

Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 (2024)

After Christopher Robin (Scott Chambers) successfully escapes from Pooh and Piglet (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey), the locals are determined to hunt Pooh and Piglet, destroying various forest areas to find them. With no other options left, Pooh (Ryan Oliva) and...

Mute Witness (1995)

One night, a woman is alone in her home as she prepares to head to bed. But little does this woman know; she's not actually alone. While in the bathroom, a news bulletin is heard on the radio advising listeners that Ernest Strohbecker and two accomplices escaped from...

Io Capitano (2023)

Seydou (Seydou Sarr) is a teenager who dreams of a better life for himself and his family. Eventually, Seydou and his cousin Moussa (Moustapha Fall) decide to leave their home in Dakar and travel to Europe, hoping to achieve fame and fortune so they can support their...

The Blues Brothers (1980)

When Jake Blues (John Belushi) is released from the Joliet Correctional Center in Illinois, his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd), is waiting for him outside in a second-hand police car. The brothers go to visit ‘The Penguin’, a nun (Kathleen Freeman), immediately upon...

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

When Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) tells Po (Jack Black) it's time to pass on his title of Dragon Warrior to someone else and become a spiritual leader, Po can't bring himself to choose anyone but himself. Po is now struggling to find inner peace and is highly...