Carlson Young Explores Trust, Survival, and the Actor-Director Dynamic

Director Carlson Young, known for her work on "The Blazing World," delves into the intense world of survival thrillers with her latest film, "Trust," starring Sophie Turner. Young spoke about her creative process, the challenges of directing a contained thriller, and the unique perspectives she brings as an actor-director.

Sophie Turner Leads a Brutal Game of Survival

"Trust," produced by Paramount Pictures, Twisted Pictures, and Republic Pictures, centers on a Hollywood starlet, Lauren Lane (played by Sophie Turner), who seeks refuge in a secluded cabin following a public scandal. However, her escape turns into a nightmare as she discovers she's been betrayed and trapped in a perilous game of survival. The film promises a suspenseful narrative of hiding and fighting back against overwhelming odds.

From "The Blazing World" to "Trust": A Director's Evolution

Young emphasizes the significant role her previous directorial experience with "The Blazing World" played in preparing her for "Trust." She describes "The Blazing World" as a "dress rehearsal," highlighting the thematic and spiritual connections between the two projects. According to Young, each film provides a new set of tools and experiences that contribute to her creative growth. "Each movie that you do, you get to bring your toolbox of things you learned, and I feel like I was able to paint with a lot of colors I was previously working with," she stated.

Casting Turner and the Collaborative Process

Young revealed that Sophie Turner was not initially attached to the project, but their connection was immediate and transformative. "When I met Sophie, it was just like one of those moments where we connected immediately, and the whole movie unfolded in our heads from there," Young explained. She praised Turner's talent and the collaborative energy they shared in shaping the character of Lauren.

The Actor-Director Advantage

Young's background as an actress provides her with a unique perspective as a director. She believes her acting experience allows her to communicate effectively with the cast and crew, fostering a supportive and creative environment. "I try to set the parameters as best I can based on some sense, what I would have been looking for to feel creatively safe and to do my best work, so I try and provide that," Young said.

Expert Perspective: The Rise of Actor-Directors

Dr. Emily Carter, a film studies professor at the University of Southern California, notes the increasing prevalence of actor-directors in the industry. "Actor-directors often bring a nuanced understanding of performance and character development to their projects," Carter explains. "They can draw on their own experiences to create a more collaborative and empathetic environment on set, which can lead to richer and more authentic performances."

Navigating Challenges and Finding Levity

Young acknowledged the challenges of working with a limited budget and the need for creative problem-solving. She also emphasized the importance of finding moments of levity amidst the heavy subject matter. Katey Sagal's character, Loretta, serves as a source of comedic relief in the third act, providing a breath of fresh air when it's needed most. The director expressed her trust in the cast's ability to bring depth and nuance to their roles.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Survival Thrillers

The survival thriller genre has a rich history, evolving from classic adventure stories to more psychologically complex narratives. Films like "Deliverance" (1972) and "The Descent" (2005) have explored themes of human resilience and the dark side of human nature in extreme situations. "Trust" appears to be positioned within this tradition, focusing on a character's fight for survival while also examining themes of betrayal and trust.

The Supporting Cast and Their Contributions

In addition to Sophie Turner and Katey Sagal, "Trust" features a talented supporting cast, including Billy Campbell, Peter Mensah, Rhys Coiro, Forrest Goodluck, Gianni Paolo, and Renata Vaca. Young praised the actors for their generosity and the unique qualities they brought to their respective roles.

"Trust" in Theaters Now

"Trust" is currently available in theaters. The film promises to deliver a suspenseful and emotionally charged experience, exploring the limits of human endurance and the complexities of trust and betrayal.