The psychological thriller/horror film Bright Hill Road released this month, delivering a horror story set in a hotel akin to Purgatory as the main characters attempt to navigate their flaws and take responsibility for their actions... while they still have the chance.
We spoke with star Michael Eklund, who CBM fans might recognize as Dollmaker from Arrow, Rasputin from Legends of Tomorrow, and Richter Maddox in Smallville, to support the film. We also chatted to the creative team behind the movie and learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes production and writing process.
We asked the writer, Susie Moloney, about her experience with the horror genre before this and how much of the story and characters she came up with on her own. You can hear what she has to say in the clip from our chat with her below, and read this portion of the transcript beneath it.
"It was all sprung fresh from my imagination. I had Marcy's character, the protagonist in the film, in my head for quite some time. I knew I wanted to do someone vulnerable and fragile and the victim constantly of her own actions, reckless actions. So I had her, and I had this premise. I love the idea of aftermaths. You know, when there's major trauma in your life, there's a real gathering of friends and family and support, but eventually, that support goes back to their own lives, and you're left isolated with your own pain and regret.
And so I always wanted to work with that. I do love this idea because that's when the crazy starts; crazy is probably a terrible word to use, but that's where the rest of the trauma starts. So, yeah, I have a horror background. I was a horror novelist for many, many years. And so this was the first film, the first feature that I had made, but Robert and I have been toying with horror for some time. This all just happened to come together, thanks to Colin. And so we got this one made, but I feel like the future is now horror."
You can also hear Susie speak more about Bright Hill Road and check out the film below's trailer and synopsis. Be sure to share your thoughts in the usual spot!
*This interview has been edited for clarity.*
When a misstep after a workplace shooting puts alcoholic Marcy on leave, she heads out to see her sister in California. Halfway there, she stops for a couple of days at the Bright Hill Road Boarding House. The walls close in on the deeply troubled Marcy, as she loses touch with reality and comes face to face with the misdeeds of her sordid past.
Bright Hill Road was released on Digital and DVD on January 12, 2021.