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Your new movie The
Stillness - in a few words, what's it about?
The
Stillness is about the last hope of humanity. The last survivor and
what the world has turned into. But it’s also a love letter to the genre.
Zombies and the last man on earth. Good fun for 10 nail-biting minutes!
With The Stillness
being a zombie movie, is that a genre at all dear to you, and some of your
genre favourites? And what do you think makes your film stand out of the
crowd?
The horror genre has always meant the world to me. So much so that I
consider myself a true horror historian. I love it deeply, especially
zombie films, which hold a special place in my heart. My all-time favorite
film is Night of the
Living Dead by George Romero, a masterpiece that
continues to inspire me. Some of my other favorites include
Dawn of the
Dead (1978),
Return of the Living Dead,
Train to Busan and even
28 Years
Later, which I really enjoyed.
What makes The
Stillness stand out to me is how effectively it captures a
sense of isolation. Visually, it looks incredible, especially considering
it was made with virtually no budget and a small crew. The production
quality speaks volumes, and I’m proud of what we accomplished at such a
young age. This is only the beginning for me and my friends Hunter and
Brandon, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us next.
(Other) sources of inspiration when writing
The Stillness?
Another big source of inspiration was
The Last Man on Earth with Vincent
Price [Vincent Price
bio - click here]. Vincent Price is my favorite actor of all time, and that film is
one of my favorites. I saw it when I was around 14-15 years old and have
had a deep appreciation for that film ever since. I’ve always wanted to do
something like that since I first saw it. His performance in that is
fantastic and seeing being drawn into madness is done so well. I love that
movie!
Do talk about
The Stillness' approach to horror!
Absolutely—The
Stillness is a fascinating and unconventional entry in the
horror genre. Its approach leans heavily into atmospheric dread rather
than overt scares, embracing a slow, almost meditative pacing that lets
tension build quietly and unnervingly. I want to really capture
loneliness. The sparse, almost sterile environments contribute to a sense
of emotional and narrative void. The horror doesn’t come from cluttered
haunted houses or grotesque creatures—it comes from emptiness. The
stillness itself becomes the threat, implying that something is lurking
just beyond perception.
A few
words about your overall directorial approach to your story at hand?
My directorial approach to The
Stillness was rooted in restraint, mood,
and atmosphere. I wanted to let silence and subtlety do the heavy lifting,
allowing the horror to creep in slowly rather than rush at the audience. I
focused on crafting tension through composition, pacing, and quiet
emotional beats rather than relying on traditional jump scares or
exposition. We didn't want to spoon-feed the audience. We wanted them to
see how this character clinched onto his last remaining existence of his
past life. A picture of what's supposed to be his mother. We all look
young in age but that ain't too bad. Take it for what you want!
What can you tell us about your co-writer and co-director
Hunter Hieatt, and what was your collaboration like, both during writing
and actually making the film?
Hunter Hieatt is not only a great director but possibly an even better
writer. He’s constantly pushed me to grow, both in my filmmaking and my
acting. Our collaboration on
The
Stillness was built on a strong creative
foundation where we’d meet up almost daily just to talk about movies,
watch films together, and then write. From there, we moved into
storyboarding and planning every detail before going into production.
Hunter had specific shots in mind that he was determined to get into the
film, and they really stand out in the final cut. Since I couldn’t be
behind the camera at all times, I’d often turn to him and ask, “Did that
look good?” And sure enough, it always did.
We’re both incredibly proud of this film. It marks my directorial debut
and is Hunter’s third short. Before this, he directed Pumpkin Pie and
Apple Pie. Both are darkly comedic shorts where I play a hitman just
trying to enjoy a slice of pie, only to be constantly interrupted by
unfinished business. Our creative partnership has only grown stronger, and
we’re excited for what’s next.
The Stillness isn't the
first time you've worked with Hunter Hieatt - so what can you tell us
about your previous collaborations, and how did the two of you first meet
even?
Hunter is one of my closest and best friends, someone I’ve known for over
15 years. We grew up together, bonding over our shared love of horror
movies. Along with our other best friends, Trevin and Brady, we spent our
childhoods playing baseball and basketball, but it was really through
movies that Hunter and I became inseparable.
From a young age, we were making backyard home movies on our phones and
iPads. But once we hit 18, we decided to take that passion seriously and
pursue filmmaking with real intention. Horror has always been the genre
that speaks to me most. It’s where I want to leave my mark, and The
Stillness feels like our first big step in that direction, especially with
the positive feedback it’s received.
Hunter has a deep love for Quentin Tarantino, and you can definitely see
that influence in his work. We’re constantly watching horror films
together, collecting the latest Criterions, building up our Blu-ray
collections, and talking about what we want to make next. We’ve been doing
that since we were about 16, not exactly the average teenage experience,
but we’ve always known this is what we’re meant to do.
Working with Hunter is one of the best parts of this journey, and I
wouldn’t want to be doing it with anyone else.
Back to
The Stillness: You also
play the lead in your movie - so what can you tell us about your
character, what did you draw upon to bring him to life, and have you
written him with yourself in mind from the get-go? Yes I definitely wrote the character with myself in mind. A lot of it was
drawn from personal feelings, that sense of isolation or being emotionally
cut off from the world. It’s something I think many people can relate to
especially in quiet or uncertain moments. Vincent Price’s performance in
The Last Man on Earth was a huge inspiration
[Vincent Price bio
- click here]. There’s a haunting solitude
in that role that really stuck with me. I also pulled from Will Smith’s
performance in I Am Legend that balance between vulnerability and survival
between desperation and hope. Both of those portrayals helped shape how I
approached this character both in the writing and in the performance.
What can you tell us about the rest of
The Stillness' cast,
and why exactly these people?
I chose all of the cast from my family and close friends because,
especially when making your first film, you need people you trust and who
are available right away. It usually starts with a simple ask: “Wanna help
me make this movie?” And the answer is always “Yes!” I also knew that
everyone involved was dependable and genuinely wanted to help me achieve
my vision and success.
A special thank you to Nate, Eli, Jacob, Sam, Emma, Ryan, Josh, our
parents, and of course Hunter and Brandon. They’re all super into the
genre and really wanted to help make this project a reality for me.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who was involved in
The
Stillnesss in
any way — your support means the world to me. You can find the full cast
and crew listed on the IMDb page. Thanks again to all who made this
project possible!
A few words about the
shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere? The
Stillness was shot on an old Civil War fort, which is really cool
because you genuinely feel completely alone out there. It was just the
crew on location during filming, no distractions. I had scouted the
location ahead of time and knew it would be perfect for this shoot. It is
super fitting and makes the atmosphere what it is.
The
$64-question of course, where can
The Stillness be seen?
The
Stillness will be available to stream for free on YouTube
September 26th 2025 8 pm EST -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3BkIbg0GvY. Right
now, it’s having a big festival run, and until late October or early
November, it can be rated, discussed, and shared on all the major movie
databases like IMDb, Letterboxd, and TMDB.
So please, do! All the talk really helps. To all the great horror fans out
there — I know you’ve got us!
Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception
of The Stillness?
The
Stillness has been receiving great reviews so far, particularly from
the indie film community and dedicated horror fans who really understand
and appreciate the atmosphere and storytelling approach. It’s been
rewarding to see it resonate not only with genre enthusiasts but also with
a broader audience who connect with its themes on a deeper level. The
positive feedback encourages me to keep pushing boundaries and exploring
this style of filmmaking.
With The
Stillness having been (at least according to my information) your
first film as a writer and director, how likely is it you will assume
these roles again any time soon? And/or any other future projects you'd
like to share? Very soon. I'm already working on a few other projects. I'm a huge fan of
film and want to be remembered for my work in this genre. I enjoy acting,
but I think directing is where my heart truly is—though I love doing both.
I like being involved in every part of the process, wearing every hat,
much like Buster Keaton [Buster
Keaton bio - click here] and Charlie Chaplin. I'm currently developing a
few different things. I also like all of the behind-the-scenes marketing,
getting the name out there, producer part as well. Like another big
inspiration for me, Roger Corman [Roger
Corman bio - click here]. What got you into the filmworld in
the first place, and did you receive any kind of formal education on the
subject?
I've had a love for film for as long as I can remember. One of the
earliest movies I ever saw was
Dracula (1931), and that’s what first
hooked me into the horror genre. I took a couple of film classes in
college, but most of what I’ve learned came from teaching myself. I
started by making home movies as a kid, treating films like homework,
listening to interviews, and studying YouTube videos to pick up
techniques.
Being on real movie sets only fueled that passion further. It showed me
that this dream is possible. Working on the upcoming film Dead Man’s Wire
was a huge milestone for me. I got to meet Bill Skarsgård and watch Gus
Van Sant work. It was surreal and incredibly inspiring.
I’ve always believed in this dream, and by staying ready and taking
advantage of every opportunity, it’s started to come true. It’s just the
beginning of my journey as a director, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
What can you tell us about your filmwork
prior to The Stillness,
in whatever position?
Before Night of the
Living Dead, it all started with making backyard home
movies—horror, comedies, even my own
Star Wars and
Friday the 13th films
when I was around 12 to 15. Those early projects were a big step forward
for me. I taught myself how to edit on my phone, and as I got older, I
kept learning and wanting to do more.
My good friend Hunter invited me to act in some of his short films, which
was a really cool experience. Then I got the chance to work with Nathan
Thomas Milliner, who’s not only a huge inspiration to me but also a close
friend. He gave me the opportunity to be part of his horror film On a Dark
and Bloody Ground—as an extra, voice actor, and just being on set. He
taught me a lot. That fulfilled a dream of mine: being in a movie,
especially a horror film.
Not long after, I landed a role in Dead Man’s Wire. It came about on a
whim, but I jumped at the opportunity. I played both a pedestrian and a
police officer. That film was a major project to be part of, and it only
made me hungrier to keep going. I’ve always wanted to create something
that lasts in the genre—something horror fans will remember. That’s always
been my goal.
How would you describe
yourself as an actor, and how as a director?
I would describe myself in a couple of ways. As an actor, I’m deeply
determined and committed to doing whatever it takes to help the director
achieve exactly what they envision for each shot. I focus on doing the
work well, and I’ll keep at it until it’s right. I’m very easy to work
with and I stay out of the way when needed. Whatever is asked of me, I’ll
get it done.
As a director, I bring that same drive and focus, but with a strong vision
of my own. I often have a clear image in my mind that I need to bring to
life on screen. It’s important to me that the final result delivers both
the visual impact and emotional response I set out to achieve. I make
projects that I would want to see, stories that move me first. At the same
time, I love helping others bring their visions to life. I’m a
collaborator, a helper, and someone who wants to leave a lasting mark
through meaningful work.
Actors, filmmakers, whoever else who inspire you?
That’s such a loaded question because I have a long list of inspirations.
When it comes to actors, my all-time favorite is Vincent Price [Vincent
Price bio - click here]. I also
deeply admire Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson, Bela Lugosi [Bela
Lugosi bio - click here], Boris
Karloff [Boris Karloff
bio - click here], Buster Keaton [Buster
Keaton bio - click here], Arnold Schwarzenegger and Samuel L. Jackson—just
to name a few. I’m drawn to a wide range of acting styles and cinematic
eras, and I think that kind of variety is important. Understanding film
history helps you become a better storyteller, no matter what era you’re
working in.
As for filmmakers, my influences are just as diverse. George A. Romero was
a major one—Night of the
Living Dead changed everything for me when I saw
it around age 13. He showed me that it’s possible to make a movie on your
own, with what you have. Tod Browning, a fellow Louisville native, also
had a big impact. Others I admire include Quentin Tarantino, Martin
Scorsese, Robert Eggers, Roger Corman [Roger
Corman bio - click here], Christopher Nolan, Akira Kurosawa,
Ishiro Honda, Jordan Peele and Guillermo del Toro. It’s not just their
films I love, but also how they talk about cinema—their passion, insight
and personalities really resonate with me. Tarantino’s stories about how
he got started inspired me to just go for it. I’ve always known this is
what I wanted to do—so I decided to do it.
Outside of mainstream film, there are a few other key figures who’ve
shaped me creatively. James Rolfe of Cinemassacre had a huge influence,
especially through Monster Madness and his AVGN videos. I watched them
every year, and still do, both for inspiration and comfort. Seeing how he
made his early films like The Deader the Better (2005), and how he
explained the process, really opened my eyes. At 12 years old, it showed
me that making movies was actually possible.
A lot of this traces back to my dad, Jason Monks. He’s the one who
introduced me to everything I love—movies, music, sports, comics. He’s the
reason I gravitated toward artists like Rob Zombie and Kirk Hammett, who
both have a deep love for horror and classic monsters. That meant
something to me. It told me it’s okay to love this stuff deeply. It’s part
of who I am.
I have so many influences, and I’m grateful for all of them. They’ve each
contributed to the filmmaker and actor I’m becoming.
Your favourite movies? My taste in film is shaped by a deep love for genre cinema,
character-driven storytelling and bold visual style. I’m drawn to the
gritty intensity of movies like
Taxi Driver,
The Departed and Scarface,
just as much as I am to the eerie atmosphere of classics like
Night of the
Living Dead, The Thing and
Frankenstein. Comedy also plays a big part in
my appreciation for film, with favorites like Napoleon Dynamite,
Top
Secret! and The Naked Gun offering the kind of absurdity and timing I
find timeless. I admire the epic scale and craftsmanship of films like
The
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Saving Private Ryan, and
The Good, the
Bad and the Ugly, while also loving the punk DIY spirit behind works like
American Movie and
Evil Dead II. Whether it’s the sharp dialogue of
Pulp
Fiction, the quiet beauty of Ikiru, or the monster mayhem of
Godzilla and
Creature from the Black Lagoon, each film on this list has left a real
impact on me. Together, they represent the kind of stories and styles that
continue to inspire me as both a filmmaker and a fan. That’s the best way
I could put it. All over the place! ... and of course, films you
really deplore? As for films I really don’t enjoy, there aren’t many I’d say I truly
deplore, but there are a few genres that just don’t connect with me as
much. I’m not a huge fan of most romantic comedies because they tend to
feel formulaic unless they bring something really unique to the table.
That said, the good ones can still really shine. I also find that some of
the cheap horror films from the late '90s and early 2000s, especially the
ones trying to be erotic thrillers, are usually a miss for me. It’s not
that I dislike low-budget filmmaking, in fact, I love indie and DIY horror
but when it lacks passion or craft, it just doesn’t land. Overall, I don’t
like films that feel boring or soulless. Even if a movie is rough around
the edges, if it has heart, I’m way more likely to appreciate it. Your/your movie's website, social
media, whatever else? You can find me on Instagram at
@jackson.monks and on Twitter at @MonksJackson. I also run
Horrorgang
Productions, which you can follow on both Instagram and YouTube—@Horrorgang. Feel free to reach out—I'm always open to discussing films,
collaborations, or any opportunities that come my way! Anything else you`re dying to
mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
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Thank you for watching and supporting The Stillness. Please feel free to
log and share the film on:
A huge thank you to Michael once again for this interview—it truly means
the world to me. To everyone reading, I hope you can feel just how much
this journey means to me. Stay tuned and follow my upcoming projects. I'm
incredibly grateful for this opportunity. And as the great George Romero
would say: Stay scared.
Thanks
for the interview! |
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