We have an exclusive look at the first 10 minutes of the new supernatural drama,Cellphone, starring Whitney Rose Pynn, Malcolm McDowell, and Justin Malik Jackson. In the film, a grieving woman starts seeing disturbing images on her cell phone about her future. If she doesn’t figure them out in time, she may lose her mind, or worse. You can watch the opening of the film in the exclusive video above.
Cellphoneisn’t your average horror film. In fact, calling it a horror film kind of undermines its actual effect. The movie uses supernatural elements and the classictrope of possessed machines and technology(fromChristinetoThe RingtoPulse) to explore a woman’s disconnection and her slow recovery from a massive trauma. She was at the wheel when her car crashed, killing her fiancé in the passenger seat. The film uses aspooky, isolated house, a kind but enigmatic stranger, and Wynne’s only connection to the outside world, her cellphone, as tools to detail her headspace and whether her grief will ultimately win out and consume her.
As such, it’s a quieter, more introspective kind of supernatural drama. At times, it almost seems like an indie dramedy, largely thanks to the quirky and self-aware character of Chris, played by a delightful Justin Malik Jackson. Chris is almost a guardian angel figure, but a mysterious one, taking to Wynne and helping her overcome her demons. And then there’s Malcolm McDowell, only ever seen as a face on Caller ID, but a voice heard throughout the film. Wynne is taking care of his home after the previous caretakers died in a murder-suicide (you can learn more about that in the disturbing opening minutes of the film above).
Related:Malcolm McDowell Says ‘I’m Not a Method Actor. I Couldn’t Care Less’
Cellphone Was a Family Affair
Cellphonehas the warmth and intimacy of a family affair, with the Sommer family involved in most filmmaking aspects. They own the production company Whisperstone, with parents Matt and Jan Sommer serving as producers. Their son Luke Sommer directedCellphone, which was written by his sister, Rachel. They reached out to fellow Ojai resident Malcolm McDowell, who liked the script and agreed to lend his legendary talents to the film.
The family element creates a softer kind of horror film, as we mentioned. The Sommers discussed this to theOjai Valley Newsthis month:
“I think this genre, in general, tends to have a bleak outlook. I get it — a lot of people want to go on a ride when they watch a horror film,” said Luke. “But I think this movie has a different angle and I think it’s gonna surprise people. It does have some elements to it that are definitely intense … but it’s also about dealing with a woman who’s going through grief and loss, and what it takes to overcome something like that.”
Rachel added: “I think it speaks to the deeper truth that we all have fears in life, and all of our fears are in the future; they haven’t happened yet. So I would hope that when someone watches this film, they would feel hope to overcome their fears and not let it dictate their present.”
“To that end, we don’t want to scare people away by saying it’s a, quote, unquote, ‘horror film,’” said Matt. “It had a few horror elements, (but) it’s more of a compelling…”
“Rachel dubbed it a ‘driller,’” Jan quipped.
To which Rachel added, “It’s a drama-thriller!”
From Gravitas Ventures,Cellphoneis available to rent on demand and digital platforms, such as Prime Video below:
