[Editorial] Horror Filmmakers to Watch: Nathan Crooker

I met writer and director Nathan Crooker at FilmQuest (see my rave review of the festival here) last November after watching his incredible short film #Nofilter. Blocked with other social media focused films, #Nofilter told an original story with a unique style and distinctive vision that made me eager to seek out the director after the show. Once we began to chat, it didn’t take long to see just how much love Crooker has for the horror genre. 

#Nofilter is a neon-soaked nightmare that examines our obsession with youth, beauty, and the perfect filter to reflect the perfect lie. Kelly Lamor Wilson (Freaky) stars as Beth, an insecure twenty-something who is introduced to an insidious filter with an insatiable appetite for vanity. Also featuring Misha Osherovich, #Nofilter utilizes effective special effects and a tight, claustrophobic setting that sucks the viewer into Beth’s world as she quickly loses control of her mind and body. 

Body dysmorphia and group mania, ideas that are both condemned and encouraged by social media platforms, come through clearly in #Nofilter. These themes are presented to the viewer without the preachy, trigger warning mentality that is popular today in many films with strong messages, as it can be easier to pick up the SJW torch than to commit to exploring difficult themes with neutral creativity. The successful implementation of examining a sub-culture – in #Nofilter the sub-culture of social media – with a critical but open-minded approach paves the way for more reasoned commentary and less emotional reactions when watching films. 

With a successful career as a commercial and music video director, Crooker spoke the language before landing in the narrative cinematic world. He has directed two other successful horror shorts, Playback and Midnight Delivery, and has produced several genre features including Isolation, a horror anthology, and others through his newly established production company, Ghost Gang.

#Nofilter is currently killing the festival game now having been accepted in over 80 festivals, the film has also been nominated and won several awards. Crooker sat down with me to talk about his process, filming during a pandemic, and how he managed to create the terrifying #Nofilter app. Visit Nathan Crooker here to watch his short films and keep an eye out for this unstoppable rising star in the horror world. 

You can find out even more about Nathan Crooker and his works by having a watch of Jerry’s interview with Crooker below!

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