Italian
A chilling new thriller: The Room Below begins production in Sydney
A star-studded cast leads the way
Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Alyssa Sutherland are set to headline the upcoming psychological creature thriller, The Room Below, which has just commenced filming in Sydney, Australia. This intriguing project is the brainchild of writer-director Kurt Martin, known for his work on Moon Rock for Monday. The film is being produced by Byron Bay-based Lunar Pictures.
A haunting plot unfolds
In The Room Below, the story centers around Mia, an expectant mother and celebrated author of children’s books. Her life takes a dark turn when she starts experiencing eerie events in her home, triggered by the disappearance of a boy who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased son. As Mia’s grief spirals into obsession, her increasingly erratic behavior catches the eye of a retired detective determined to solve the mystery of the missing boy.
Meet the cast
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, hailing from Ireland, brings a wealth of experience to the film with notable roles in Velvet Goldmine, The Tudors, and Dracula. Alyssa Sutherland is equally impressive, with recent credits including the TV series Vikings and the film Evil Dead Rise. The cast is rounded out by Bobby Gilchrist (known for Shapeless and The Invisible Raptor) and Gilbert Bradman (featured in Transfusion and The Twelve).
Behind the scenes
Director Kurt Martin expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “The Room Below is a deeply intense psychological thriller about grief, guilt, and obsession, with an incredibly unsettling and unique creature dialing up the scares. I am thrilled to be in production alongside my dream cast and world-class collaborators and crew.”
Martin, originally from Australia, initially trained as a lawyer before transitioning to a career in film. His 2019 feature debut, Moon Rock for Monday, was well-received, earning an AACTA nomination for best indie film in 2021. The film was picked up by EOne’s Seville International and licensed to Cinedigm for North American release, showcasing Martin’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Production team and collaborators
The Room Below is produced by Jim Robison for Lunar Pictures, Chris Chard for CME, and Ty Linegar for MIK Studio. The executive production team includes Marc Furmie, William Ramsey, Colin Bates, Adam Callen, Samuel Levine, Roy Scott Macfarland, Clement Dunn, Emma Comley, and actress Jaime King. Alexandra Taussig (known for The Narrow Road to the Deep North and The Stranger) is serving as a producer consultant.
The film is a collaborative effort between Lunar Pictures, CME, Valecroft, and MIK Studio, with additional support from Hooligan Dreamers, Tetrad Studios, and Monster Pictures. The award-winning special make-up effects studio Make Up Effects Group (renowned for their work on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Talk to Me) is tasked with designing the film’s creature, promising a visually striking and terrifying addition to the thriller.
Industry insights
The psychological thriller genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with audiences increasingly drawn to narratives that explore the complexities of the human mind and emotions. Films like The Room Below tap into universal themes of grief and loss, offering a cathartic experience for viewers. The inclusion of a unique creature element adds an extra layer of intrigue, setting the film apart from more conventional thrillers.
Looking ahead
As production continues in Sydney, anticipation builds for The Room Below. With a talented cast and crew, and a compelling storyline, the film is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. No sales agent or distributor has been attached yet, but the film’s unique premise and high-caliber team suggest it will attract considerable interest.
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