Episode 1307: The Willowbrook, Writer/Director by Zach Koepp

“Good morning my Loves!”—to quote Ms. Lacey. Zach Koepp joins JUST TALKING to discuss his swiping social media thriller The Willowbrook. Once again the internet is pushing false hopes and pretenses after a renowned wellness influencer invites one of her recently overdosed followers to seek recovery at her small-town manor. The follower quickly realizes at The Willowbrook you LOG IN but you never really LOG OUT—until you're dead! Social media can be an addictive drug: “if we get sucked into that social media world—it’s like the elixir for giving up your individual power.” Writing this film as a thriller is “millennial.” Halloween Ends … horribly we might add. It feels like all of our greatest villains in the last 30 years of cinema have been put out to pasture one by one and now we have our new digital nightmare…social media cult followings. Mental health issues are a hot topic issue for millennials, but you’ll be surprised to find out what inspired Director Zach Koepp to make this film. From becoming online followers to staying at The Willowbrook the film takes time to explore each character’s final destination. Producer Jeffery Reddick (Final Destination franchise) came on board to remind us — you can’t cheat death. BUT how did Koepp’s prank on his younger brother turn into a win years later? This is our brave new world. You have to embrace it — or stay a luddite! Everyone eventually gives into the click and downloads. Remember kids, following influencers on social media will boost their egos. Following Lacey to The Willowbrook will get you killed!