Horror anthology Grind is set to debut as part of this year’s SXSW Midnight movie line-up, and is a film that can be enjoyed by anyone that has ever had a terrible job. Telling four interconnected stories based around the gig economy, hustle culture, and evils of late-stage capitalism, Grind is a perfect mix of horror, comedy, and absurdity. Working as a method of both entertainment and catharsis, the modern worker has not been this seen since the cult classic that is Office Space.
Grind tackles the modern work landscape through four timely perspectives – the hustle culture of an MLM, the endless repetitiveness of a food delivery driver, the online horrors of a content moderator, and the unionization of a familiar-feeling coffee shop. Grind shows what it means to be a worker in a world defined by wealth inequality and ruled by endlessly greedy oligarchs, one not so far removed from our own. This is a film for anyone who’s ever hated their job, had a bad boss, or felt taken advantage of at work. In other words, it’s a film for all of us.
Ahead of Grind’s World Premiere at SXSW, THN spoke with two of its cast, James Urbaniak and Ify Nwadiwe. Both star in differing sections of the anthology directed by Ed Dougherty, with James Urbaniak appearing in Content Moderation, and Ify Nwadiwe featuring in Union Meeting. Although starring in different parts of Grind, both had to master walking the line between horror and comedy. and this was one of the topics that was discussed during our chat. Other topics spoken about include what it was that drew them to the project, the importance of being kind to one another, and why you should look out for Grind as it continues its festival run.
Grind will receive its World Premiere at SXSW.
