Writer and director John Ainslie’s Do Not Disturb presents a Hellish honeymoon landscape. Whereas typically the post-nuptial retreat is an idyllic oasis of love and intimacy, the one presented here is a damning commentary on toxic relationships and their power to consume. Starring Kimberly Laferriere and Rogan Christopher, Do Not Disturb charts the decline of the relationship of Chloe and Jack.
Set some time ago in Miami, Do Not Disturb joins Chloe (Laferriere) and Jack (Christopher) as they arrive at their hotel for a secluded and romantic adventure. However, cracks in their relationship are immediately apparent, deepened by their encounter with an overly tactile couple, Wendy (Janet Porter) and Wayne (Christian McKenna). Amidst the flashy neon and sunny beaches, they decide a peyote experience will strengthen their marriage. Unbeknownst to them, they’ve been given a rare and powerful strand of a drug that awakens a desire to eat human flesh.
Told primarily within the confines of a hotel room, Do Not Disturb is a claustrophobic and intense thriller that delves into some darker aspects of the human psyche. Given its setting and subject matter, the film focuses purely on Chloe and Jack. Fortunately, these characters, especially that of Chloe, are in safe hands. Kimberly Laferriere is exceptional as Chloe, easily conveying the complexity of the character that lies beneath an outward facade of meekness and politeness. Ainslie has written a rich and articulate script that, when given to this cast, just sizzles off of the screen.
Before the International Premiere of Do Not Disturb at this year’s Arrow Video FrightFest, THN sat down with both John Ainslie and Kimberly Laferriere. Over the course of the Zoom chat, we discussed the origin of the idea, the nature of shooting and living in your location, the benefits of an intimacy coordinator, and how to make a film feel extra sweaty.
Do Not Disturb screens at Arrow Video FrightFest on Sunday 28th August at 10:45am. Tickets for Do Not Disturb can be purchased by heading to the FrightFest website here.
