In MurderFest, directed by Tim Hannigan, five live streaming serial killers compete against each other as they stalk and slash their way through a group of unsuspecting victims for the twisted pleasure of their dark web audience. Here’s an interview with the film’s star Deniella Alexis.
ScareTissue Presents Deniella Alexis
How did you get attached to MURDERFEST?
This was one of those rare occurrences where you apply on your own and hope for a response. Tim reached out almost instantly and sent me the script, which I loved! Even from the initial read, I was invested in Tarin’s story and knew I had to play her. He told me to choose any scene and send in a self-tape. Of course, I chose the scene with 5 pages that had the most dialogue and stage directions haha. Somehow, I booked it with that one audition tape.
Tell us a little bit about your character, Tarin?
I like to describe Tarin as a vigilante. She begins her journey as a victim and loses some very important people to this “game”. When she returns to the screen, she’s almost unrecognizable. She’s no longer a victim, she is a fighter. Tarin is determined, tactful, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. There are moments where we see a darkness wanting to consume her, but the thought of her dead loved ones keeps her focused. We will see that her agenda is bigger than just avenging them. She operates out of love and pure intentions. But will that be enough to survive the game? You’ll have to find out for yourself.
How was it working with Tim Hannigan?
It was such a pleasure having Tim as my director! He communicated eloquently when delivering notes to actors and collaborated when we had bold ideas of our own. Tim Hannigan is the biggest horror film fanatic I know, and that passion reverberated on set. He wore so many hats, yet he showed up with the same up-beat attitude every single day! Sometimes, with more if that day involved a blood gag – which, when you see the film, you know there are a LOT of blood gags. His love for the art and the level of creativity he brought to each kill is what resonates the most when I think about our times on set.
What was your favorite scene?
My favorite scene has remained the same since the cold read – the one I auditioned with. I can’t reveal too much about it because I’d spoil a lot of the plot if I do. It’s Tarin’s turning point. I love the emotional dimensions I felt both during filming and when I got to watch the film! She was menacing yet vulnerable, perceptive yet ignorant. She had all this power yet still required so much. Also, the creativity on this scene’s blood gag was insane! One of my favourites to witness first-hand.
What was the most difficult aspect of making this film?
Definitely the blood gags! We only had so many tries to get it right without ruining continuity, so there was a lot of pressure there. The art team had it the hardest for sure, and the rest of us just got to enjoy it for the most part. But again, still the anxiety of every department hitting their mark when these rigs would go off and the uncertainty of it going smoothly during a take!
What makes this film stand out?
This film is a horror slasher with an insane amount of blood and guts. The blood gags are creative and absurd and will make your face wince when you watch it! If how the blood and guts come about doesn’t stand out on its own, it would have to be the comedic aspect, hands down! I did not expect this film to be so funny, considering the heaviness of the plot, but it really adds to the entertainment value.
Do you have any favorite horror films?
My favourite would have to be the Insidious franchise, but specifically Insidious 2! I’ve always had intense dreams, even to this day, whether they are nightmares or not! I’m very aware that I’m dreaming and can hear my own thoughts sometimes. I have a level of control in my dreams, free will, if you must. There were times in my life where I practiced lucid dreaming and wanted to connect to the spirit world. That is scary stuff, I don’t recommend it because it was getting too intense! This film felt so close to home because it felt too real. It still gives me chills thinking about it. The perfect level of jump scares, the intense psychological build up, and I thought it was so clever how full circle it was in the end.
What made you want to get into acting?
It honestly was a career choice in the beginning. I was doing a lot of commercial work and figured training to act would equate to more gigs. With no acting experience outside of grade 10 drama class, I worked really hard to get into George Brown’s Acting for Media program in 2018. It was during one of my classes where it just clicked for me – I am falling in love with acting. No questions asked, I went all in.
Who inspires your creativity?
I wouldn’t say there is anyone specific, but everyone I surround myself with. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so I love to put myself in environments where that could happen organically. Throwing myself in networking events, meeting up with other creatives for a coffee, catching up with friends in the film industry, attending classes. I think we are each other’s greatest influences. Just witnessing other people’s fire can ignite our own.
What’s next for you?
I actually have a project having its World Premiere in this year’s Blood in the Snow Film Festival in Toronto! I play the lead, Vicky, in episode 3: Hors d’Oeuvre in season 2 of “Creepy Bits” (directed by David J. Fernandes). The series can also be streamed exclusively on Hollywood Suites in November. I also star as Jessie in another horror-action feature film, “Mortal Game” (directed by John Lachego), which is aimed to release in 2025. There’s another horror project in the works but I have to keep that to a hush for now! I am currently working on a drama short film with a local director, in which I will co-write and star in. I’m eager to dabble in the writing process and bring my own vision to life!