Pete Davidson Stars in a Gripping Horror Movie with Global Warming Themes

Renowned horror director James DeMonaco, best known for The Purge franchise, has exciting news for horror fans. While anticipation builds for The Purge 6, DeMonaco reveals that another project might hit the screens first. The Home, a chilling horror film featuring Pete Davidson (of SNL fame) in a departure from his comedic roots, has already been completed, potentially giving audiences a taste of horror before the next Purge installment.

In an interview with FilmSweep, DeMonaco shares insights into the upcoming movie, which he co-wrote with his close friend, a local cop. The duo penned the script during the COVID lockdown, drawing inspiration from their shared experiences. The Home follows Davidson’s character, a graffiti artist, who, after getting into trouble with the law, is sentenced to community service at an elderly care facility. The film explores the clash between different generations in America, delving into terrifying elements and intriguing mythological aspects within the home, ultimately affecting the youth.

DeMonaco describes The Home as a psychological thriller and cites Rosemary’s Baby as one of its key influences. However, he clarifies that the film does not involve devil worship but rather incorporates subtle sociopolitical commentary. DeMonaco believes that horror, science fiction, and action genres provide opportunities for metaphorical exploration without preaching to audiences. He acknowledges that his previous Purge films may have leaned towards proselytizing and aims for a more restrained approach in The Home, allowing viewers to engage with the film’s underlying themes of climate change and global warming.

DeMonaco draws inspiration from the concept of “smugglers’ cinema,” a technique employed by filmmakers in the 1940s and ’50s who cleverly inserted sociopolitical commentary into their works. He highlights the works of George Romero and John Carpenter as examples of filmmakers who effectively blended genre elements with subtle messaging. DeMonaco successfully employed this approach in The Purge series and continues it in The Home, where the metaphoric horror serves as a vehicle to address the urgent issue of global warming.

While DeMonaco remains tight-lipped about specific details, he reveals that The Home’s sociopolitical messaging will be more nuanced compared to The Purge. He trusts that audiences will recognize and appreciate the underlying metaphors, but emphasizes that the film remains an engaging horror experience for those who simply seek a thrilling cinematic journey.

DeMonaco also praises Pete Davidson’s dramatic acting abilities, noting that his performance in The Home surprises even the director himself. Davidson’s departure from his usual comedic roles showcases his talent as he fully embraces a dramatic character, highlighting a different side of his acting prowess. The absence of comedy in the film further demonstrates Davidson’s commitment to the role.

Although The Home has been completed, DeMonaco is currently working with Miramax’s head, Bill Block, to secure distribution for the film. As a first-time experience for DeMonaco as a filmmaker financed by Miramax, the process of selling the movie adds a new dimension to the project. While the exact release date remains uncertain, DeMonaco eagerly awaits updates from Block, trusting him to navigate the complexities of distribution. Once further details emerge, fans can expect a thrilling horror movie experience that intertwines unsettling mythologies, psychological tension, and thought-provoking reflections on global warming.

For the full interview with James DeMonaco, conducted by Perri Nemiroff, please refer to the attached video.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horror

More about Horror

• The Purge franchise
• Rosemary’s Baby
• George Romero
• John Carpenter
• Miramax