Kate Siegel is pleased with how quickly and realistically we can understand extraterrestrial life. When asked if she believed in aliens, she gave a specific and chilling answer.
“I’m a big science fiction reader…Ray Bradbury is one of my all-time favorite authors,” she says. “Currently, there is a lot of debate in the world about the existence of aliens.The needle is pointing in the direction of, “Yes, aliens do exist.” The question is not when and where to contact them; if they exist. I imagine that aliens exist on this planet, but the obvious things, like the octopuses and fungal structures that are actually aliens that have been here all along, end up being You will be able to understand it. I think the scariest thing is that they were always right in front of us. ”
This analysis reveals that Siegel is the perfect contributor to “V/H/S/Beyond,” the seventh chapter in the horror anthology series and the first chapter dedicated solely to science fiction stories. Siegel is best known as the Scream Queen in films such as Oculus and Hush, as well as series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. He is the director of the movie “Stowaway”. And the whole series. In it, a woman (Alanna Pierce) encounters a UFO and decides to jump on it, allowing for eerie and creative imagery.
A first-time director, Siegel was not actively seeking work behind the camera, despite his interest in the genre.
“I wasn’t necessarily looking for an opportunity to move into directing, but when all the stars aligned, I had no choice but to jump on it,” she says. “‘V/H/S’ has always been a springboard for up-and-coming filmmakers. It’s a unique situation where you’re part of a team, but you’re also an individual, so you have the support of an established franchise. But its mission is to give creative control to new filmmakers.”
“Stowaway” was written by Mike Flanagan, Siegel’s frequent collaborator and husband of eight years, who directed all of the above projects. Siegel says the secret to harmony in professional collaboration is “honesty and respect” throughout the process.
“When I ask him questions, he answers honestly. It seems simple, but it’s so important,” she says. “He’ll give me the constructive criticism that I need, and I’ll give him the criticism that he needs. If it’s not covered with some kind of civility, then elsewhere… It can be hard to find. When you make a million choices, the one that goes through is the most honest and direct one. I know he has always respected me and always will. I’m on my team.”
Siegel sees Stowaway as following in the footsteps of poetic science fiction like Contact and body horror like The Fly, and is most widely known as a video game journalist and writer. Pierce was chosen as the lead role.
“Alana has been in my friend group for years and is a very enigmatic and charismatic person,” Siegel says. “You look at her in the room and you want to ask her how she feels about things. She’s a great collaborator and a generous artist. When I thought about who I wanted to work with on my debut… , all of them were at the top of my list. I’ve seen her voiceover work, her video game work, her performance capture, and I just thought, “This woman is an actress.” I could feel it inside her. I really enjoyed helping Alana sculpt this role, allowing her to be more of herself and bringing even more of her own natural insight and charisma to the role that was written for her. It was an exciting journey. ”
By drawing on his background as an actor to direct, Siegel was able to add a unique style to the film.
“I think my camera works in a very emotional way, not in a technical way,” she says. “All my camera movements seem to be driven by emotion, and I think that came naturally to me from being an actor first.”
Now that “Stowaway” is out, what’s next? Siegel is eager to revisit and expand on this world, saying: It contains an epic long story that I want to tell. ”
More than that, she’s excited to have a fresh creative outlet.
“I have the energy of a new relationship with the director,” Siegel says. “Right now that’s what’s driving my attention. I’m so excited to have new ways to tell stories. I’m not quitting acting. So I’m just a little more selective now. I always respond to requests for great stories, whether it’s from directors, producers, or actresses.”
“V/H/S/Beyond” is currently streaming on Shudder.