Each year Pigeon Shrine FrightFest plays host to the best and brightest in cinema that champions the dark heart of cinema. From slashers and haunted houses, to comedies and films more psychological in nature, the festival leaves no subgenre of horror, sci-fi, and thriller unturned. In addition to showcasing a variety of types of genre film, FrightFest also screens movies from all around the world, but is careful not to forget the homegrown talent. One of several offerings from the United Kingdom this year is Hayden Hewitt’s Cara.
Filmed in Manchester, Cara tells of the unravelling of one young woman who has fallen through the cracks of a broken system. Cara (Elle O’Hara) has a history of abuse, a roommate coming apart at the mental health seams, a failed career in online sex-work with dismissive viewers, a father incapable of communication, and a well-meaning mother who reaches out, but does nothing to help. Determined that she will not be sent back to the institution where she believes she was assaulted, Cara has a plan to ensure the doctors and her mother can’t put her back in the Sunnyside hospital. Enlisting the help of a subservient punter and a therapist, Cara sets the wheels in motion for her escape strategy, with brutal and horrific consequences.
Also starring FrightFest regular, Johnny Vivash, Cara offers a brutal look at life on the fringes of society. Featuring a stellar performance from lead Elle O’Hara, Cara marks the debut feature of writer and director Hayden Hewitt. The screening of Cara at FrightFest is the world premiere and culmination of Hayden Hewitt and his team’s hard work. In advance of the screening, THN spoke to Hewitt about his first journey into features, the importance of representing England outside of the UK, and exactly why FrightFesters should take a chance on this first-time feature.
Cara screens at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on Sunday 25th August. More information on the film and tickets can be found on the FrightFest website.
