While “Raging Grace” is writer/director Paris Zarcilla’s debut feature film, it’s already got a lot of buzz. This “coming of rage” horror story has already nabbed the Grand Jury Award at SXSW 2023. And it is currently gearing up for its second screening at Fantasia International Film Festival on August 1st.
“Raging Grace,” tells the story of Joy (Max Eigenmann), an undocumented Filipino immigrant, as she struggles to build a life for herself and her daughter, Grace (Jaeden Paige Boadilla). That is until she lands what seems to be the perfect job, caring for a very wealthy but terminally ill elderly man (David Hayman). Not only does the job pay well but it will ensure they can keep a roof over their heads. That is until Joy and Grace start to realize everything is not as it seems. Something is festering beneath the surface, threatening all they have worked for.
Even though “Raging Grace” will be Zarcilla’s first feature film, the BIFA-nominee has already made a name for himself in the world of video games and television. With titles like the video game “HUSH – Crane,” mini-series “The Century Egg,” and the short film “Pommel” under his belt. The new film will be produced by Chi Thai.
“This is truly a coming of rage for so many of us,” Zarcilla said in a statement. “Being an immigrant, and more so an undocumented one is often a horrific experience for so many. It was a very natural genre to occupy when writing this story. But I felt it was paramount that the film didn’t live solely in horror where these characters only experience trauma. Minority stories often feel exclusively steeped in trauma but this needed to be a cathartic spectacle that gave way to rage but most importantly joy and celebration of our culture.” Adding “I want this to be a cathartic spectacle.”
We’ll keep you posted on updates about “Raging Grace” as they become available.
