Finding Your Friends: A Horror Twist on Friendship

So, it seems that Izabel Pakzad has decided to shake things up with her latest flick, Find Your Friends. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the woods (or should I say, Joshua Tree?), this film dives into the wild world of teenage friendships, with a side of horror that’ll keep you on your toes.

Welcome to the Friend Zone

Meet Amber, Lavinia, Zosia, Lola, and Maddy – a spectacularly dysfunctional gang of “friends” headed for the ultimate BFF getaway. But hold your horses! Before the fun kicks off, we find out that these gals are more like frienemies than actual friends. Amber and Lola seem to be the only ones who might actually get along while the rest of the crew spends more time spewing venom than sharing secrets.

The Real Horror Unfolds

Initially, Find Your Friends sounds like just another movie about a bunch of women who pretend to like each other while secretly plotting their next betrayal. However, things take a twist when several girls go missing, and suddenly, it’s not just about snarky comments—it’s a survival game! The film hilariously reflects how trials by fire (or in this case, freaky horror incidents) can really show you who your ride-or-die girlfriends are.

The Talent Behind the Madness

We had the chance to chat with Pakzad about her creative genius and the film’s themes—and boy, did she spill the tea! She pointed out how these characters might seem tight-knit, but there are loops and knots in their friendships larger than life. “It’s more than just needing to find their friends,” she quips. “It’s about them walking around like ghosts, not fully seeing or hearing each other. Cue the melodrama!”

Amber’s Journey

Take Amber, for instance. Poor girl faces some serious trauma early in the film but feels like she’s stuck in a friendship merry-go-round where no one notices her plight. Instead of sharing her feelings, she becomes the party pooper, which has the rest of the girls ready to pitch her out of the van and head out without her!

Girl Power vs. Toxic Friendships

Error alert! It’s not all sunshine and roses in their friendship, and the film tackles the elephant in the room: toxicity, which doesn’t just come from men but can run rampant among women too. Howard delivers the message loud and clear about the need to rise above decades of societal trauma and truly connect with one another. It’s all about dismantling the noise and recognizing each other as allies.

From the Mind of a Horror Maven

Pakzad takes her cues from the fearless women directors who have paved the way in horror. She admires those who infuse gory spectacles with meaningful narratives, balancing topics of friendship and personal growth amid the chaos of horror. “I want to tell those thrilling tales that make you laugh, cry, and yell at the screen, while also making your heart race,” she says.

A Mixed Bag of Revenge and Thrills

As the last act kicks in, Find Your Friends transitions from horror to revenge-thriller. Think of it like a delightful buffet of spine-chilling moments wrapped in a quest to rediscover oneself and forge unbreakable bonds through thick and thin. So, keep your eyes peeled, because while it hasn’t scored a distribution deal yet, you may be hearing about this gem in no time!