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Behind the scenes of ‘Hold Your Breath’: Surviving rattlesnakes, dust storms, and more
The challenges of filming a Dust Bowl horror
While many film productions grapple with the usual bevy of issues like COVID-19 protocols, union talks, and tight schedules, Karrie Crouse and Will Joines’ journey was fraught with unique and wild obstacles. Their ambitious Dust Bowl-era horror film, “Hold Your Breath,” saw the duo contend with rattlesnakes, lightning strikes, dust storms, and swarms of locusts.
Crouse and Joines, who co-directed the film, detailed the harrowing conditions they faced. Joines highlighted one particularly intense experience: “There was one day where we had to stop shooting because an actual dust storm shut our shoot down. Once the actual dust storm stopped, we all got back on location, cranked up a huge 20-foot fan and shoveled dust in it to make a fake dust storm.”
Los Angeles premiere: A moment of calm
Despite the tumultuous filming, the premiere of “Hold Your Breath” at the Harmony Gold Preview House in Los Angeles went off without a hitch. The film’s star and executive producer, Sarah Paulson, walked the red carpet alongside her co-stars and the directing duo, savoring a rare moment of tranquility free from the perils of their shoot.
Plot breakdown: Ghostly visions and survival
“Hold Your Breath” tells the gripping story of Margaret Bellum, played by Paulson, and her two daughters, portrayed by Amiah Miller and Alona Jane Robbins. They struggle to survive the harsh realities of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl. Margaret, plagued by visions of the Grey Man, a spectral drifter who appears during violent dust storms, battles to stay sane as she waits for her husband to return from a distant job.
A champion on and off-screen
Paulson’s role extended far beyond that of lead actress. Described by the directors as “a champion for the film,” Paulson’s dedication was crucial to navigating the challenges of the shoot. Crouse and Joines praised her commitment, recalling moments when she refused to back down despite physically demanding scenes. “There were certain times when she was out in front of this massive fan with all this dust in her face. And we thought, ‘Surely she’s gonna say no more.’ She actually did the opposite,” Joines shared. “She said, ‘I want it to look right. I want it to feel right. Give me more.'”
Crouse added, “She argued with the safety director like, ‘It’s my face. I’m breathing it in. Throw more dust at me!’ It was amazing.”
Rising stars: Miller and Robbins
Paulson also spoke highly of her co-stars, Miller and Robbins, who deliver breakout performances. Working closely with the young actresses, Paulson felt honored to witness their burgeoning talent firsthand. “Amiah, it’s not her first job ever, but close to it. And this is Alona’s first acting job,” Paulson noted. “I feel like I’ve been blessed in that way. I was in Elizabeth Olsen’s first movie, Lupita Nyong’o’s first movie and now these beautiful girls who I’m sure are going to run this town very quickly. I’ll be begging them both for jobs.”
Technical excellence: Visuals and production design
“Hold Your Breath” excels not only in storytelling but also in its technical execution. The film’s use of practical effects to recreate the relentless dust storms of the Dust Bowl era is a testament to the dedication of the production team. Using towering fans and truckloads of dust, the crew crafted convincing scenes that immerse the audience in the era’s harsh environment.
The visual narrative is complemented by meticulous production design, which captures the bleakness and desperation of the Dust Bowl period. Every element, from the costumes to the set decoration, was carefully chosen to reflect the historical accuracy and emotional tone of the story.
The soundtrack: Amplifying the tension
Music plays a crucial role in “Hold Your Breath,” enhancing the tension and eerie atmosphere of the film. A haunting score accompanies Margaret’s descent into madness, with compositions that mirror the film’s dark themes. The soundtrack, featuring a blend of orchestral and atmospheric sounds, elevates the emotional impact and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Streaming now
For those interested in experiencing this intense and thrilling film, “Hold Your Breath” is now available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ Watch ‘Hold Your Breath’. Dive into the harrowing world of Margaret Bellum and witness a story of survival, madness, and perseverance against the relentless forces of nature.
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