By MICHAEL GINGOLD
The new movie is described as “blending giallo paranoia, psychological horror, and practical-effects body horror in the tradition of early Cronenberg.”
Writer/director Al M. Hemphill is prepping to shoot his second feature, KAYLA’S GOING-AWAY PARTY, later this year. The pics seen here are from the production of movie’s proof-of-concept trailer (which you can watch below), featuring makeup effects artist Marcus Koch (JAKOB’S WIFE), who encores on the feature version. Ilirida Memedovski, Bill Moseley (also an executive producer), Lynn Lowry and Conner Stumm will star; the synopsis: “After a suburban housewife [Memedovski] suffers a psychotic episode during her farewell party and her guests vanish without a trace, a movie-obsessed detective must unravel a crime with no evidence—and a suspect who remembers nothing.” Moseley plays that investigator, Detective Sammy O’Brien, while Lowry portrays “Ruthie Benson, a flirtatious and eccentric neighbor attending the ill-fated gathering.” Koch will create the effects with longtime creative partner Jessie Seitz.
“My initial goal with this project was to do the impossible: create an original slasher,” Hemphill says. “What began as a straightforward concept evolved into something surreal, psychological, and deeply personal. I’m thrilled to be collaborating with such an incredibly talented team and with artists who have helped define modern horror.”
“I have seldom read such a unique and surprising script as KAYLA’S GOING-AWAY PARTY,” Lowry says. “As I was reading the script, I was thinking of how the horror fans are going to absolutely love this film. I cannot wait to bring my character to life.” Says Koch, “Body horror is one of my favorite subgenres, and it’s rare that I get to work on a project like this.” We’ll keep you posted on how this project progresses!
