When Jane marries and moves into her new home, she will discover her husband is keeping more than a few skeletons in his closet. From her food, she pulls clusters of hair, silence haunts the lonely corridors of the home and, while Jane is abused by her husband, she untangles the house and its harrowing history.
Taste is writer and director Lucy Rose’s second short film with Candle & Bell, the first being She Lives Alone which was a huge success with audiences and film festivals. Taste follows Rose’s horror style and take a more twisted turn than her previous short. Much like Lucy Rose’s previous work, the tale tells of trauma and survival. However, this horror shows Lucy Rose’s heroine overcoming overwhelming trauma in order to taste freedom from her oppressive husband as well as the oppressive atmosphere of the house.
“The story surrounding Taste is personal to so many, and so putting it through a vigorous development meant that we could get it just right, marrying the pragmatic side of filmmaking with the politics of the emotional craft. I’m glad I live in a time where I can tell my story and take up space with my experiences because there came so many before me who couldn’t. While we still have a long way to go, in being able to make this film, I know that somewhere within our complex, human social dynamics, we are improving, making space for survivors, and letting people speak for themselves.”
Saeed Taji Farouky stars as Francis (centre), Cat White stars as Jane (left).
Finance for the film was raised through a successful crowdfunding campaign, as well as investment from private individuals. Taste was a labour of love that depended on an incredible cast and a hard working crew to make all the elements work together. The film is now scheduled for completion in late 2022 and will start it’s festival run in 2023.
“I’m so grateful to the cast and crew who bought into the philosophy of the production and worked really hard to make sure we were able to make the film we set out to. It was great working with Lucy again and to continue our collaboration after enjoying so much success with She Lives Alone. Many of the crew on TASTE worked with us on She Lives Alone, so the film was a reunion of sorts, and the shoot had a great energy about it.”
Saeed Taji Farouky (left) and Cat White (right).
The film was shot by cinematographer Lizzie Gilholme, with Poppy Hall as Production Designer, Patrycja Nowacka designing hair and make up (as well as all the gory SFX) and Rob McDougal was Gaffer. The film was shot on location at Paxton House on the Scottish Borders.
Remember to keep up with the films progress via Candle and Bell’s social media as well as the official social media for the film.