Thescreescore – Jessica Rothe, a name synonymous with both comedic charm and horror resilience, has made a chilling return to the genre with her latest film, Imposters. Yet, the terror wasn’t confined to the script; Rothe and her co-stars encountered genuinely eerie phenomena on location, culminating in a post-production seance to cleanse the reportedly "150% haunted" filming house. This behind-the-scenes revelation adds a new layer of intrigue to a film already poised to deliver a visceral experience.
Rothe first captivated audiences as the time-loop trapped protagonist Tree in Blumhouse’s Happy Death Day, a role she reprised in its 2019 sequel. Since then, her diverse filmography has spanned musicals like Valley Girl, action-comedies such as Boy Kills World, and medical dramas like Pulse. Her venture into Imposters marks a compelling return to the horror landscape, offering a performance described as both nuanced and unsettling.
Imposters, the feature writing and directorial debut of Caleb Phillips, plunges viewers into the nightmare of Marie (Rothe) and Paul, a couple whose baby is snatched from their secluded woodland home. Desperate, Marie ventures into a mysterious, possibly supernatural, cave and returns with their son. However, her subsequent behavior, coupled with an unsettling shift in the child, sparks Paul’s horrifying suspicion: are these truly his loved ones, or something far more sinister? The film co-stars Charlie Bennett as Paul and Severance veteran Yul Vazquez in a pivotal, enigmatic role, alongside Bates Wilder.
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Having premiered to largely positive reviews at SXSW on March 15, Imposters has garnered particular praise for its intricate central mystery and Rothe’s captivating lead performance. Critics have highlighted the film’s ability to keep audiences on edge, a testament to Phillips’ vision and the cast’s commitment.
The production itself, however, proved to be an experience beyond the ordinary. Rothe recounted how the filming unfolded in Marlborough, just outside Boston, during the picturesque autumn season. While the surrounding woods offered "gorgeous" scenery, the primary filming location – an 1800s house – presented a different kind of atmosphere. Phillips described the historical dwelling, while Rothe unequivocally declared it "definitely, 150% haunted." The house’s age contributed to its unique character, with Vazquez noting its "bananas" design and the fact that "nothing in that house was level," from the doors to the floors. This architectural peculiarity even posed practical challenges for the crew, with Phillips confirming they "didn’t use a dolly for the whole film" due to the uneven surfaces.
The cast and crew’s encounters with the supernatural were not isolated incidents. Rothe vividly recalled the bizarre occurrences during production, revealing that some crew members felt compelled to conduct a seance on their second-to-last night. "Some spooky things happened, paintings were moving, like weird s–t was going on," Rothe shared with thescreescore.com. Despite the unsettling events, she optimistically concluded, "I think it was a friendly ghost that was happy with the work we were doing. No one is too cursed – yet."
Director Caleb Phillips expressed his anticipation for audience reactions, particularly hoping for "audible sounds" during two specific, intense moments. Rothe echoed this sentiment, praising Phillips’ "compelling, thrilling, twisty narrative." She believes the film’s "wild directions" and numerous "Easter eggs" will encourage repeat viewings, making the second watch a "very different movie," as Phillips himself affirmed.
Yul Vazquez’s involvement stemmed from prior working relationships with producers Sarah Seligman and Tom Bond, coupled with Phillips’ specific request for "the guy from Severance." Vazquez was drawn to Phillips’ short film, his insights, and the script’s unpredictable nature. Phillips explained his desire for Vazquez, noting the actor’s ability to embody a "complicated mentor role" with a presence that felt "safe to be around," despite the character’s problematic nature – a compelling dichotomy.
For Caleb Phillips, Imposters represents his true feature directorial debut, having previously served as a DP on a low-budget project. This experience solidified his artistic direction. "I just completely leaned in to my favorite things in movies, my favorite tropes, and my favorite pace," Phillips reflected, emphasizing his newfound clarity on the kind of films he wants to create.
Rothe, a seasoned horror performer, described her approach to Imposters as seeking projects that offer both creative collaboration and significant challenges. Her character, Marie, with her "many different sides" and fierce determination to protect her family, proved to be an incredibly "juicy and exciting place to approach anything from." Rothe lauded her co-star Charlie Barnett’s talent and their immediate chemistry, which allowed them to delve deep into their roles. Despite a "truncated shoot" and "microbudget," the collaborative spirit, fostered by Phillips’ generosity and the freedom to experiment, allowed them to "squeeze all the juice from the orange."
Given the film’s heavy subject matter and the unsettling on-set experiences, maintaining levity was crucial for the cast and crew. Rothe, who finds catharsis in the "screaming and crying," unwinds with "palate cleansers" like Parks & Rec or Friends and enjoys stir-fried rice at Benihana. Phillips and his DP, Allie Schultz, found their escape in binge-watching Emily in Paris. Vazquez, believing that "the lighter you can keep it on set… the further you can go with something really dark" on camera, simply hung out or indulged in fast food.
As Imposters awaits its global release date following its SXSW premiere, the tales from its "150% haunted" set only amplify the anticipation for this unique horror-thriller. The blend of a compelling narrative, strong performances, and real-life paranormal encounters promises an unforgettable cinematic journey for audiences worldwide.
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