Good writing is just about impossible to master. Sure, it’s about using grammar properly—at least for the most part—and having some semblance of organization. But it all boils down to the content. Sometimes, the natural inclination is to go bolder and bigger with the next work. The problem with that is a writer may stare at a piece of paper or computer screen for hours on end, waiting for the inspiration. Truly maddening! Speaking of which, “Scare Me” takes a page from Jack Torrance’s book and right in time for Halloween, too.
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Josh Ruben—one of the creative minds behind CollegeHumor’s “Originals”—co-produces, writes, and directs the project, his feature debut in the latter role. He has also overseen segments for “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and made a name for himself as a prolific commercial director. Additional producers on the film include Emmy winner Daniel Powell (“Inside Amy Schumer”) and Independent Spirit winner Alex Bach (“En el séptimo día”).
Starring as struggling writer Fred is also Ruben and joining him onscreen as his female foil Fanny is Aya Cash (“The Boys,” “You’re The Worst“). Other cast members in this strange tale of spooky and silly storytelling are Rebecca Drysdale (“The Meddler” & “Me Him Her”) and Chris Redd of “Saturday Night Live” renown as the pizza guy adding his own two cents to all the hellish fun.
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Here’s the synopsis:
Fred (Josh Ruben, CollegeHumor), a frustrated copywriter, checks into a winter cabin to start his first novel. While jogging in the nearby woods, he meets Fanny (Aya Cash, “You’re The Worst” “The Boys”), a successful and smug young horror author who fuels his insecurities. During a power outage, Fanny challenges Fred to tell a scary story. As a storm sets in, they pass the time spinning spooky tales fueled by the tensions between them, and Fred is forced to confront his ultimate fear: Fanny is the better storyteller. The stakes are raised when they’re visited by a horror fan (Chris Redd, “Saturday Night Live”) who delivers levity (and a pizza) to the proceedings.
“Scare Me”—distributed by Shudder—is available on the streaming service starting October 1st. For a closer look at it, give The Playlist’s review from Sundance a read. Just make sure to hold the flashlight close but be ready to laugh too by checking out the trailer below.
