UK creators of the Edinburgh titled "Misper" discuss authentic crime, chilling basements, and blending Haneke-inspired horror with British humor in their work.
In the world of true crime content, a new term, "misper", is expected to become more familiar to audiences in the coming years. This term is at the centre of the dark comedy film "Misper", a debut feature by UK filmmaker Harry Sherriff, co-founder of Fresh Orange Productions alongside Laurence Tratalos and Simon Orange.
Filmed for 20 days on location in Folkestone in September 2024, "Misper" is a unique take on the true crime genre, aiming to make audiences laugh and think. The filmmakers, inspired by international filmmakers like Michael Haneke, Roy Andersson, Ruben Ostlund, Aki Kaurismäki, Mike Leigh, and Yorgos Lanthimos, as well as British humorists like Chris Morris, have created a film that balances unsettling moods with comedic moments.
The film's title, "Misper", does not have an on-screen explainer, a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to give audiences a sense of "homework". Newcomers Samuel Blenkin and Emily Carey star in the film, which revolves around the sudden disappearance of an employee at a seaside hotel and its impact on her co-workers.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the basement, which was scarier in real life than it appears on screen. This location was discovered during a hotel recce and adds to the film's eerie atmosphere. The driving scenes were also challenging due to scheduling constraints.
"Misper" is a blend of elements of thriller, horror, and dark humor, with a nuanced tone that balances tragedy with dark humor. The filmmakers were careful to maintain this balance, creating a unique tone that is both eerie and darkly humorous.
The film, written by Laurence Tratalos, is making its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. For director Harry Sherriff, the production phase of filmmaking is his favourite part, as it is the "doing" and the capturing of the film.
In a separate interview titled "I'd love to make a musical", Kevin and Andrew Macdonald discussed their career ambitions and projects that got away. Despite not being directly related to "Misper", their passion for storytelling echoes the dedication and creativity that went into the making of this intriguing film.
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