Independent filmmaking has always been a Herculean task, but in today's industry, it's arguably tougher than ever. Add the weight of adapting a true story so shocking it feels almost fictional, and you have the challenge that filmmakers Jennifer E. Montgomery and Andrew Davis faced with their new psychological thriller, This Tempting Madness.
Starring Bridgerton and The Devil Wears Prada 2 star Simone Ashley, the film follows Mia (Ashley) as she wakes from a coma with fragmented memories. The man she loves (Austin Stowell) is missing, and as she pieces her life together, her grip on reality begins to unravel. The story is inspired by a real-life incident experienced by Montgomery's best friend, making the narrative both deeply personal and unsettlingly authentic.
In a recent interview, Montgomery and Davis opened up about the grueling journey from script to screen, the visual language they used to capture Mia's fractured mind, and the surprising influence of Stanley Kubrick. They also revealed the inventive methods they used to create the film's haunting soundscape.
The Indie Struggle: Why They Chose L.A.
Making any movie is a miracle, but making an indie thriller in Los Angeles—where tax incentives are scarce—added layers of difficulty. Montgomery explained, "Every step of the way was harder than we imagined. We knew it would be hard, but the process of writing, rewriting, and then securing funding was a constant battle."
Davis echoed that sentiment, noting that from conception to post-production, every phase was an immense struggle. "We wanted to do it in L.A. because of the community of artists here who make film great," he said. "The California Film Commission helped, but it was still a fight."
A True Story Too Wild for Fiction
One of the biggest challenges was deciding what to leave out. "It's more true than people would believe," Montgomery said. "We often had to cut details because they were too unbelievable. We wrapped it in a thriller aesthetic, but at its core, it captures what really happened."
Davis added that the goal was to humanize an extraordinary experience. "We wanted to find the relatable human elements in a story that can seem insane. It's a journey of making the unbelievable feel real."
The directors also drew inspiration from Kubrick's mastery of psychological tension. "Kubrick's ability to make you feel uneasy while keeping you glued to the screen was a huge influence," Montgomery said. "We wanted that same sense of dread and disorientation."
For fans of psychological thrillers, This Tempting Madness joins the ranks of thrillers that prove pure cinema never gets old. It's a mind-bending ride that will leave you questioning reality.
With its blend of indie grit, Kubrickian style, and a story ripped from real life, This Tempting Madness is poised to be one of the year's most talked-about thrillers. Simone Ashley's performance is already generating buzz, and the film's unique approach to trauma and memory is sure to spark conversations.
