Shot on location: ‘Visceral’ Hawke’s Bay thriller hits cinemas

Shot almost entirely in a remote cottage on a Patoka forest block, What Lies Between is an psychological thriller crafted by Hastings-based writer and director James Cleary.

A Hawke’s Bay shot and locally-produced feature film, What Lies Between, rolls on to the big screen this month.

Shot almost entirely in a remote cottage on a Patoka forest block, the eerie psychological thriller was crafted by Hastings-based writer and director James Cleary.

With a “mesmerisingly sinister” original soundtrack written by local composer Halo Siloata, it enlisted a Hawke’s Bay film crew, with local actors Daniel Betty (Jim) and Ruth Strong (Jess) in the lead roles, supported by screen legends Peter Elliott and Liesha Ward Knox.

It follows Jim, a writer intent on finishing his novel, who retreats to a remote cottage away from the city of memories. However, he rapidly realises his new environment isn’t as unfamiliar as he first thought.

Cleary said he was always determined to shoot his debut feature film in Hawke’s Bay.

“And it’s been an awesome experience. The support from the community has been amazing”.

He said a large number of local businesses and individuals contributed, and local actors and crew all jumped behind the work straight away.

“Location-wise, Patoka [50 minutes west of Napier & Hastings] also provided a beautifully isolated environment for the cast and crew to explore, and the vastness of the landscapes and eeriness of the forest translates directly into the film.”

Betty said he’d relished returning to the front of the camera as well as throwing his energies into producing the film behind the scenes.

“Jim’s a complex, multilayered character, similar to the roles played by Guy Pearce in Memento and Leonardo DiCaprio in Shutter Island.

The tension, discomfort and anticipation throughout is masterfully enhanced by young Hastings composer Halo Siloata, brought into the project and mentored throughout by both Cleary and Betty.

“Halo’s done an amazing job at capturing the visceral elements in the work, in setting the mood and allowing the audience to react to key moments”, Cleary said.

The film’s one of several screen projects involving features, shorts, documentaries and television series that industry veterans Cleary and Betty are currently working on.

Screenings begin at Focal Point in Havelock North, November 6–12, with a special Q&A screening at Napier’s MTG Century Theatre on November 15.

For further dates and details see whatliesbetweenfilm.com.