Hell of a Summer is an upcoming horror-comedy film that promises to deliver thrills and laughter, all set against the backdrop of a summer camp. The movie is co-written and co-directed by Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in Stranger Things, and actor Billy Bryk, who has appeared in productions such as Saturday Night and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The narrative unfolds at Camp Pineway, where a group of new counselors, far more interested in partying than adhering to camp guidelines, soon find themselves in a fight for survival as a masked killer begins to pick them off one by one.
In addition to Wolfhard and Bryk, the film features a notable cast including D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai from Reservation Dogs, Pardis Saremi from Death and Other Details, Abby Quinn from Knock at the Cabin, and Fred Hechinger from Nickel Boys. Together, they must not only evade the relentless slasher but also unravel the twisted mystery surrounding the identity of the killer, who may be one of their own.
Recently, ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan sat down for an interview with Finn Wolfhard, Fred Hechinger, and Billy Bryk to discuss their experiences on the project. The dialogue covered their filmmaking journeys as co-writers and directors, Hechinger’s diverse role selection process, and fun campfire-themed questions that whimsically evaluated their survival skills in the wilderness.
Insights from Finn Wolfhard & Billy Bryk on Their Filmmaking Experiences
“It Is Possible to Achieve More Than You Expect”
Marking their feature film directorial debuts, Hell of a Summer showcases the distinctive creative vision of Wolfhard and Bryk. During the interview, Wolfhard reflected on a significant realization: “One thing I learned about myself, which became clear once we completed the film, is my deep passion for collaborating with people I admire.” He emphasized the vital role that a supportive crew plays in filmmaking, stating, “From the moment filming commences, challenges manifest constantly. The key is to maintain your focus and navigate through those obstacles, which I previously doubted I could do.”
Bryk echoed these sentiments, noting, “I’ve learned the crucial value of advocating for your vision, proving that you can accomplish more than you initially believe. Creative problem-solving is key, as you often find yourself battling elements beyond your control like weather or unforeseen circumstances. Perseverance can lead you to achieve your goals, often much closer than you anticipated.”
Fred Hechinger Discusses His Approach to Role Selection
Recent Projects Span Nickel Boys, Gladiator II & Thelma
Fred Hechinger, noted for his impressive versatility, explained his role selection process: “I gravitate towards filmmakers, narratives, and characters that genuinely surprise and captivate me. As an avid movie enthusiast, I focus on creating films I would enjoy watching myself. It’s essential to remain connected to what you love and take calculated risks to explore new avenues.”
So, what genre has Hechinger yet to tackle? “I’d love to perform in a musical someday,” he admitted, expressing a desire to explore this new creative avenue.
Campfire-Themed Questions with the Cast and Directors of Hell of a Summer
Discover Who Would Survive, Who Would Get Lost, and Who Has Hidden Talents
In a lighthearted segment reflecting the camp setting of Hell of a Summer, Wolfhard, Bryk, and their castmates fielded rapid-fire questions about survival scenarios. Bryk quickly pointed to Matthew Finlan, who plays Ezra, as the most prepared for wilderness survival. “He’s amazing at fishing,” Bryk remarked. “He once bravely scared away a raccoon on set; he’s quite the tough character.”
Hechinger also highlighted Finlan’s comedic talent in their amateur ghostbusting series, asserting that his supernatural expertise would make him a strong contender for survival.
On the flip side, Bryk named Julia Doyle, portraying Miley, as the one likely to lose her way but come back with an entertaining story. He recounted, “Once, during a cast outing at bowling, she mysteriously vanished, only to return later in a stunning new dress after being lured by music, claiming she had stumbled into a boutique.”
When queried about potential hidden talents for a hypothetical talent show, Hechinger joked about his juggling aspirations, saying, “I’d learn to juggle for the first minute and then inevitably fail.” Wolfhard chimed in, suggesting he would perform an improvised stand-up routine, whereas Bryk contemplated attempting an escape act, despite having no plan on how to execute it.
Be sure to catch Hell of a Summer when it hits theaters on April 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTmzw6zG4wwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTmzw6zG4ww
Source: ScreenRant Plus