You may know Jewel Staite from Firefly/Serenity or perhaps even Stargate. Firefly’s Kaylee is one of my all time favorite characters in television history. Because of this I like to keep up with what Jewel Staite is doing next (I owe her that much… haha). One thing I’ve noticed is that most people share my respect and admiration for Jewel; and now we have something new and sinister to look forward to. When the trailer for for her upcoming Dario Argento inspired horror film The Pact hit the net, I couldn’t wait to share. After watching the trailer I just need to know… What in the hell is behind that door?
UPDATE – We’ve spoken to the director of The Pact Nicholas Mcarthy, and he’s going to send us a review copy of the film shortly after its premiere at Sundance 2011 (Monday January 24th). We’re excited to see what the movie all about, and we’ll have more info for you in the near future! – Thanks Nicholas
From the Press Release:
“In THE PACT, a young woman finds herself alone in the house of her late mother where an unsettling – and sinister – presence emerges.
Premiering as an official selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, the short film THE PACT, written and directed by Nicholas McCarthy, stars Jewel Staite (Firefly, Serenity) and Sam Ball (The Event). Playing with Calvin Reeder’s The Oregonian in the ?Park City at Midnight? section of Sundance 2011, THE PACT is a dark ghost story told in a taut 11 minutes.
A legion of sci-fi fans know star Jewel Staite as ?Kaylee? on Joss Whedon’s cult series Firefly, a role she reprised in the feature film version, Serenity. Jewel’s tense performance in THE PACT as a besieged young woman is a unique compliment to her long resume in film and television.
Three-time Sundance director Nicholas McCarthy points to his love of the horror films of Dario Argento as an influence, but also to the subtler work of famed horror producer Val Lewton. “I wanted to tell a story about a woman dealing with a private, self-inflicted terror. My favorite aspects of horror films as diverse as Argento’s Suspiria or Lewton’s The Seventh Victim are their intense atmospheres. My goal was to call on those movies for reference and use them in the service of a character piece. I think the result is really different.”
THE PACT’s soundtrack, composed by Ronen Landa, features haunting solo violin performances by Anna Bulbrook of indie rock darlings The Airborne Toxic Event, and piano by world class jazz pianist Dan Tepfer. The cinematography is by award-winning DP Bridger Nielson, known for his striking spots for Sony, Adidas and many others.
THE PACT premieres Monday, January 24th at the Sundance Film Festival appropriately, at Midnight.”
“…Along with the mind-blowing cinematography, fun on-the-edge-of-your-seat scenes and interesting characters, there is a pretty gnarly part which provoked me to leave the theatre for a minute to get some fresh air. Yep. I almost passed out. I can handle horror movies and icky violence, but this particular scene struck a phobia chord. However, even with the onset of sweaty lightheadedness, I still think the scene was done well. When I looked at the faces of people around me, I could tell they were stunned, jaws clenched and brows furrowed. A few had even covered their eyes…”
I love independent film. A long time ago, in the time of dragons, I used to want to make movies myself. So when I see something special, I feel like it’s my job as a film nerd to plug the hell out of it. I’m elated excited to bring you an interview with Mr. Nicholas McCarthy who just recently returned from Sundance 2011 in support of his moody thriller “The Pact”. Growing up on horror films it takes a lot to make the hair on my arms stand up and having recently watched The Pact, I can say with total sincerity that Mr. McCarthy has the directing chops to scare the crap out of you.
I’m already terrified by the decor and the afghan on the bed. Can’t wait.
It looks eerily like my grandmothers old house. There is a great Argento vibe to this trailer. I find it really unsettling.