A small-time con artist rips off elderly dementia patients by pretending to be their daughter – until the con catches up with her.
What inspired you to start making films?
As a kid, I loved nothing more than borrowing my parents’ video camera and making “talk shows” and films with my friends – so telling stories was always a huge part of my life. I went to NYU for acting, and did guest spots on TV Shows like POWER and LAW & ORDER: SVU. Then, in 2015, I had the good fortune to be cast in an episode of THE KNICK where I saw our director, Steven Soderbergh, in action for the first time. I had been a fan of the show before I was cast on Season Two. It was, in my personal opinion, a masterpiece – and Steven ran a set unlike anyone I had seen before. He shot, edited and directed (as he does with almost all of his projects) so he was deeply efficient and precise, but at the same time, his performance-focused approach gave the cast space to be creative. Kind and talented, Steven was an incredibly inspiring person to work with, and I walked away hungry to learn all I could about the process of filmmaking – from story structure to post-production – so that one day I, too, could direct. In 2018, when I felt like I had enough knowledge and vocabulary to dive in for the first time, I directed my first short HATCHED (which debuted at HollyShorts in 2019.) Since then, I’ve been a director-for-hire on three feature films and made multiple short films. Being a director is the greatest job in the world. I love it.
Were there any challenges in making this project?
The biggest challenge on this film was locations. Not many nursing homes, even the SUPER nice ones in Kentucky, will allow you to film there. There are a lot of hoops to jump through in terms of healthcare regulations, and it’s disruptive to the residents – so it’s easier to say no. This script has four different “nursing homes.” Needless to say, we had to get creative. We converted some rooms in an apartment building that we used as “Rebecca’s apartment” to be the patient room interiors – which took a lot of set dec, but it was a real time saver schedule-wise. We also shot at a wonderful plastic surgery center: Digenis Plastic Surgery. Which – when I walked in the building, I felt was far too beautiful to use – but we leaned into the look and Danielle Elise Bartley (our DP) created one of my favorite lighting moments in the film.
Is there any type of message or emotion that you hope the viewer takes away from watching this film?
One of the things that drew me to this film is the moral ambiguity of the lead character. The only reason she can get away with stealing from dementia patients is their real families don’t come to see them. She gives them comfort, connection and last moments with their “children;” she just takes a “fee” for it. By the end of the film, I hope the audience roots for the lead character, and opens themselves up to thinking about the world in less polar terms. Also, I would love it if the film inspired people to spend more time with their elders and/or families (either chosen or given.)
How does it feel to be able to screen the film at HollyShorts?
HollyShorts holds a very special place in my heart. Like I mentioned, my first short film HATCHED debuted at HollyShorts, and I couldn’t be more excited to be kicking off our festival run of GOOD DAUGHTER here. HollyShorts gives participants amazing access and opportunities to network with major players in the industry and curates amazing films from first-rate filmmakers. I’m so honored to have our film included.
What’s on the horizon for you?
I directed a feature film called THE ENGAGEMENT DRESS last year that just got some good news on the distribution front. It’s a really sweet romantic comedy that’s reminiscent of SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS about four friends who all get engaged while wearing the same dress – except for the lead, who gets broken up with. But the magic of the dress is not to be underestimated because it ultimately leads her to her true love. It’s about female friendship and the magic of true love. Then, after the strike, I have a few other features on the horizon: a holiday film, a horror and a biopic!
Thanks to Rachel for the talk! You can find their film, as well as all others from the 19th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival will be available in person, at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Los Angeles on their scheduled nights throughout the festival. Tickets for the festival, as well as the screening schedule, can be found here. They can also be viewed digitally, with tickets available on BitPix.
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