Director of “All My Friends Are Dead” on Modern Revenge Tales

Movies about characters who seek payback by any means necessary have been a staple of cinema for decades, reflecting a deep-rooted human desire for revenge. “All My Friends Are Dead,” directed by Marcus Dunstan, is a fresh entry in this genre and aims to combine bloodshed with gut-busting humor. From its title, the movie also delves into social media obsession, adding another layer to its multi-thematic narrative. “All My Friends Are Dead” premieres in select theaters, Digital, and On-Demand on August 2nd.

“All My Friends Are Dead” follows a group of college friends who rent an Airbnb for a major music festival. However, their weekend of partying quickly descends into chaos as they are picked off one by one, each death linked to their sins. The film features a cast that includes Jade Pettyjohn, Jennifer Ens, Ali Fumiko Whitney, Michaella Russell, Julian Haig, Justin Derickson, Cardi Wong, Jack Doupe-Smith, and Jojo Siwa.

In a recent interview, Dunstan discussed his involvement in the project and the challenges of balancing terror and humor in the storytelling. Dunstan initially came on board when the original director, Kevin Greutert, had to leave due to scheduling conflicts. Greutert’s parting endorsement led to Dunstan stepping in to direct.

Dunstan shared insights on the screenplay, written by Josh Sims and Jessica Sarah Flaum. He praised their ability to capture the social media-driven culture and incorporate a plot twist that he didn’t see coming. Dunstan’s goal was to preserve this twist, making it a central focus of his direction.

Filming involved adapting the screenplay’s architecture to fit the realities of production constraints, such as budget and time. Dunstan credited the cast’s chemistry, particularly Julian Haig, who helped the cast bond before filming began. This camaraderie translated into authentic on-screen relationships, making the story more compelling.

Jennifer Ens was highlighted for her exceptional comic timing, which added depth to her character. The film allowed for a degree of improvisation, with the cast contributing to the script’s evolution. This collaborative environment helped the film find its rhythm, blending comedy with horror elements.

Dunstan also credited editor Andrew Coutts for skillfully balancing the film’s tonal shifts. The editing process involved creating different versions of scenes to find the right mix of humor, drama, and tension. The goal was to keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

In discussing future projects, Dunstan expressed excitement about the upcoming “Saw XI,” praising Kevin Greutert’s storytelling abilities. He likened Greutert to Nicholas Meyer, known for revitalizing the “Star Trek” series. Dunstan highlighted the importance of Tobin Bell’s involvement, calling him a masterclass actor deserving of the spotlight.

Dunstan also mentioned the return of “The Collector” after years of legal entanglements. He promised that the new installment would be even more intense and terrifying, teasing fans with what’s to come.

As a final note, Dunstan encouraged viewers to stay through the credits of “All My Friends Are Dead,” hinting at additional surprises. The film aims to entertain with every frame, ensuring that even the credits add value to the viewing experience.

“All My Friends Are Dead” will be available in select theaters, Digital, and On-Demand on August 2nd.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Source: ComicBook, Video