Read on for the full interview.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: I know you researched a lot about Scotlands suicide rates before making this movie.
Id heard it years before writing the script, and it stuck with me.
Credit: Mt. Hollywood Films
How long did you spend honing the script?I wrote it six years ago…
I reworked it over the next few years, trying to make it better.
I was trying to make it a better film.
Mt. Hollywood Films
I kind of had that feeling towards it.
Ultimately what I think is most important is the message that the audience takes from it.
Its going to be maybe slightly different each time.
That matters more to me than the message I intended.
We shot the film at the chip shop where I used to go after a night out.
I think in this recurring sequence of events, its all just slightly harmful to her.
It all leads to this recurring image that she cant shake [of seeing her friend dying].
Its all a sequence of self-harm.
Its my twisted love letter to the place.
Representation doesnt always have to be showing something in a positive light, right?
Why is it important as an artist to show the ugly truths?I think we need variety.
People respond to different things.
Theres no part of me that would be able to make a film that just sweetness and positivity.
I wouldnt know how to do that.
Im just not interested in stories like that.
I have a taste that leans more toward the darker side of things.
Life has light in shades, it varies all the time.
My priority is to treat people with respect first.
Thats the most important thing to me.
I think theres a way to achieve both.
Do you think youve done that here?I hope so.
I didnt have to sacrifice my vision for the film.
I love the way the whole thing rips and the way its told.
Visually its scary how close it is to the way I imagined it.
Growing up, I thought directing was mans job, and thats so strange to me now.
I wasnt thinking that Icouldntdo it, it just didnt cross my mind.
Were in a time of change right now.
Were still underrepresented massively, however, things are starting to change.
So its quite an exciting time to be working in this industry!
