Two women, one running from her past, the other charging toward her future, find themselves in the clutches of an unhinged, pious family. Will their love be the key to survival? Or will death separate them?
On a star-studded Saturday night, June 29, the Dances With Films Festival audience was treated to the electrifying premiere of “Straight On Till Morning.” Held at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, the highly anticipated thriller directed by Craig Ouellette left viewers on the edge of their seats, mesmerized by its gripping tale of love, survival, and dark twists of fate.
A Journey Like No Other
“Straight On Till Morning” follows the journey of Dani Dupree, a small-town musician with rock ‘n’ roll dreams, and Kaitlin Sanbourne, a cashier trapped in an abusive relationship. Their budding romance takes a horrific turn when they encounter a disturbed family and their demented son, who hides behind a metallic mask. The film’s blend of romance and horror provides a unique and captivating viewing experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
A Vision Realized
In an exclusive Q&A, director Craig Ouellette shared insights into the film’s inspiration and development. “I was introduced to Neal McLaughlin, the co-writer, over 15 years ago,” Ouellette recalled. “After our initial meeting, he said, ‘I have a script I think you’ll like.’ It was the first or second draft of ‘Straight On Till Morning.’ The basic elements of a romantic horror film were present, but it wasn’t a queer story then. We realized the story was much stronger with LGBTQ+ characters, and the subtext that emerged was both poignant and relevant.”
The film’s development process was not without challenges. Ouellette admitted, “Making a feature is much harder than doing a short film. The main issues were not having enough money or resources, so we had to get creative and scrappy. Sometimes we achieved what was necessary, and sometimes we didn’t.”
The Heart of the Film
Ouellette’s dedication to authenticity is evident in the film’s casting process. “The cast changed multiple times throughout the process,” he said. “Maria Olsen was cast in 2010 for the original version, and she was always ‘Lilly.’ Kelsey Christian, who plays Dani Dupree, was cast in 2018. Chemistry reads were critical. Bonnie Jean Tyer, who plays Kaitlin, was originally a producer helping with casting. Her version of Kaitlin felt the strongest and truest to me, and her chemistry with Kelsey is magical.”
The film’s distinct visual style was achieved through meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail. Ouellette explained, “Finding visually captivating locations was key. We used smaller cameras that are more mobile but look great. Vintage lenses and filters softened the digital edge. The goal was to have something both romantic and terrifying.”
A Symphony of Emotions
Music plays a crucial role in “Straight On Till Morning.” Ouellette, a DJ himself, understands the power of music in setting the mood. “The first part of the movie feels like a ‘needle drop’ movie, with fantastic songs to complement different scenes. Kelsey Christian sings most of the original songs, adding depth to her character. Thomas Corkran, our composer, used unexpected and unusual instruments to capture the emotions.”
Balancing Romance and Horror
Blending genres was both a design and a challenge. Ouellette reflected, “The goal was to tell a romantic horror story. Falling in love is scary, and something as wonderful as love can have parallels to fear. Keeping that balance was always the goal. Everyone in this film is motivated by love, even the villains.”
The film’s crowdfunding journey and support from MovieMaker Magazine Production Services (MMPS) were pivotal. “MMPS connected us with resources and team members who brought the film to another level,” Ouellette said.
A Memorable Experience
Ouellette’s most memorable moments on set ranged from creative triumphs to sheer exhaustion. “There are times I would be crying because it was so beautiful and times I collapsed, exhausted. The gratitude I feel for everyone who helped bring this story to life is beyond words.”
Looking ahead, Ouellette hopes “Straight On Till Morning” will resonate with audiences and open doors for his career. “I hope people love it or hate it—anything but boredom. We’re donating 6% of our net proceeds to an LGBTQ+ charity. I hope the film offers a perspective on how important love is to everyone. If one person says the film shifted their perspective on the queer community in a positive direction, all the hard work was worth it.”
“Straight On Till Morning” is not just a film; it’s an experience. With its unique blend of romance and horror, strong performances, and poignant themes, it promises to leave a lasting impact on viewers and spark meaningful conversations. Don’t miss this thrilling journey of love and survival—it’s a ride you won’t forget.