In an exclusive interview with Spyder Dobrofsky, the director of the film, to know his vision of something we love: psychological horror.

It is about time to see something different in Hollywood’s Halloween Season. Upon first seeing the trailer (and cast) I thought, I need to meet the director behind this film. I did not hesitate and contacted Spyder Dobrofsky and the rest…you are about to read (yes, I am doing a mischievous laugh while writing this paragraph)

Camaleónicas: You sold your first movie at 23, and since then, you have been exploring the world of horror. What would you say is the magic of this genre?  How do you connect with the audience?

Spyder: I sure did! I was right out of college and it was a holiday flick with Amber Riley from Glee. I even got to visit the set in Canada. It was a great experience. I have been writing genre films like horror and sci fi since I first got into moviemaking. The magic of the horror genre for me is you really get a chance to be super creative. You can tell a rollercoaster of a tale, where monsters are real, where people actually become ghosts, and evil has a face. As a writer, there is just a lot of freedom, that you wouldn’t necessarily get if writing dramas. 

C: Down Below has an intriguing plot. Does it have some real facts or is it all fiction? How did you come up with the idea? I don’t want to say what your inspiration is (laughs) cause it is twisted, but you know… is not a topic you talk about on a daily basis.

S: There is no real story when it comes to Down Below! Entirely fiction! Although (without giving any spoilers) it does tackle a subject matter that is a very real issue. I also try and bring truth to my dialogue; emotional truth, that is. Yes, a lot of people ask what inspires me — the thing is, when writing dark twisted horror films, it’s never drawn from anything personal (OBVIOUSLY!). It’s more like other movies I’m a fan of. Like Se7en, or Saw, Babadook, or Sinister. A great film can inspire you to want to find an idea that is just as bonkers, just as scary; a nightmarish ride, which Down Below is.

C: Having a cast like Roberts, Jones, Knapp and Ling definitely calls the attention. How was your process of casting? And what did you see that each one can bring to the movie?

S: Working with Oscar-Nom Eric Roberts as a first time director was a dream come true. He was kind and totally brilliant. He is a legend for a reason; he delivers. He understands characters in a way you just wouldn’t think of. My process of casting is trying to find talented individuals who bring something different to the character that ISN’T there. I like to cast against type. I find it brings a refreshing energy to the character. I also have to say that Bai Ling was a treat on set. Doug Jones was the funniest actor I’ve ever worked with! Alexis Knapp shows a dark and dramatic side that I don’t think many have seen from her. Casting is probably the most important part of directing in my opinion!

‘Down Below’ has a cast to remember. Stars like Oscar-Nom Eric Roberts, Bai Ling, Doug Jones, Alexis Knapp are in the main roles.

C: Do you feel as a director you are creating your own signature or style in your movies? When we see the movie we will see something that maybe we will recognize is your own?

S: Having a voice is everything as a filmmaker. As well, each story needs it’s own specific film language, it’s own style. It’s so hard to have a true authentic vision and voice (or signature), because, well, it’s risky. There’s nobody to blame if it goes wrong. You are always taking a leap when having a unique vision, but it’s also what makes or breaks a director (and movie). My influences are Andrei Tarkovsky, Darren Aronofsky, and David Lynch.

In the words of Dobrofsky the film is:

Psychological

This movie really plays with reality, with the horrors of not knowing who’s reliable or not.

Mr. Monday

The name of the Demonic Preacher who’s haunting all the residents in the small town of Down Below. Mr. Monday is played by prolific character actor David Steen. He is absolutely wicked as the preacher from purgatory.

Chilling

Because it takes place on Christmas Eve. Also, because of the horrific evil event that takes place, and because it can get cold when ghosts are in the air!

On the 20th anniversary of the gruesome Christmas Eve murders at St. Agnes church, a demonic preacher returns to haunt that same town’s residents.

Gravitas Ventures and High Stake Entertainment present this psychological horror film in North America this October 1st, 2024 on demand and digital.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: