Now playing in limited release isMarrowbone, which is the feature directorial debut ofSergio G. Sánchez. If the name sounds familiar, there’s good reason: Sanchez penned bothThe OrphanageandThe Impossiblefor directorJ.A. Bayona. Even before those scripts, however, Sanchez has been trying for a long time to helm his own movie with nothing much to show for it. Thankfully, the release ofMarrowboneconfirms that Sanchez has as much talent as a visual artist as he does a screenwriter.
If you haven’t heard of the film,Marrowbonefollows four siblings (George MacKay,CharlieHeaton,Mia GothandMatthew Stagg) that seek refuge in their old family home after the death of their mother. Within the house, they quickly discover that a far more sinister inhabitant also stalks the various halls and rooms.SplitandThe WitchbreakoutAnya Taylor-Joyplays a supporting role as well.
Throughout the movie, Sánchez keeps you guessing as to what exactly is happening to the siblings and within the walls of the house. The mysterious inhabitant is at the center of much of the film’s action but there’s greater depth to both the characters and the scares in this case. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on, he offers another twist to keep you wondering. It’s a great feature debut.
After seeing the film at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, I sat down with Sánchez and MacKay. They talked about the film’s meaning, what (if any) changes to the script came about during production, deleted scenes, the value of long takes, memorable moments from filming, how they shot two endings, upcoming projects, and a lot more.
Check out what they had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about.
Sergio Sánchez & George MacKay:
