This year, Pigeon Shrine FrightFest turns 25, and will be celebrating the anniversary with attendees from Thursday 22nd August to Monday 26th August. Over the course of the weekend the festival will screen around 70 feature films as well as countless new shorts. Although the title of the long-running event might be FrightFest, the selected films encompass more than just generic horror movies. FrightFest champions the dark heart of cinema, and Charlotte, from director Georgia Conlan, is the perfect example of something out of the norm.
In the dead of night, Charlotte (Georgia Conlan), a young girl, appears at Roy’s doorstep, fleeing from her abusive father. Despite a few too many drinks, Roy (Dean Kilbey) reluctantly offers her shelter for the night. What begins as a simple act of kindness, soon evolves into a complex relationship as Charlotte’s stay extends beyond a single night. As the days pass, and Charlotte’s trust in Roy deepens, tension mounts as the audience is left to ponder the true nature of their connection. With each startling revelation, the line between protector and predator blurs, leading you to question if they are who they seem.
Of all the films at this year’s FrightFest, Charlotte has one of the greatest mysteries, and some of the best performances. In addition to starring in Charlotte, Georgia Conlan also directed the film which she co-wrote with Martin Hardwick. The film makes for intense viewing as it becomes a cat and mouse game between, not only Roy and Charlotte, but the pair and the audience watching. The success is testament to the excellent script, tight directing, and compelling performances. If it isn’t already, Charlotte really should be on the watchlist for FrightFest attendees.
In the lead up to what will be Charlotte’s world premiere, THN spoke with writer Martin Hardwick and actor Dean Kilbey about the project. With the plot a closely guarded secret, our discussion instead delves into Charlotte’s long gestation period from script to screen, acting scenes of extreme darkness without losing oneself to it, and why Charlotte deserves a chance.
Charlotte screens at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on Monday 25th August. More information on the film and tickets can be found on the FrightFest website.
