Adam O’Brien chatted about writing and directing the thriller “Mom,” which stars Emily Hampshire (“Schitt’s Creek”) and François Arnaud.
‘Mom’ thriller
On his inspiration to direct and co-write this movie, he said, “For my first feature, I wanted to create something different, something that would showcase not only my ability in horror but also my skill in crafting compelling characters.”
“That’s when I came up with a crazy idea: a film about a woman alone in a house, where whatever happens to her also happens to the house. I found the concept fascinating and knew I had to make it,” he explained.
“I was missing a strong script, however. To be honest, I’m not a writer, and I needed someone who could take this idea and turn it into something bold and fresh. So, I reached out to my friend Philip Kalin and asked if this concept inspired him enough to write the script,” he elaborated.
“He ended up crafting a fantastic story, one with authentic character voices and bold, horrific moments. I was hooked. I knew I had to tell this story and bring my vision to life, blending family drama with a supernatural twist,” he added.
Working with Emily Hampshire and François Arnaud
On working with Emily Hampshire and François Arnaud as the two leads, he said, “It was a fantastic experience to work with them. Both are incredibly talented and generous. They brought great ideas, not just for their characters, but also as storytellers. It was truly inspiring.”
“They helped elevate my film, and I feel very lucky to have collaborated with them on this project. That was fun. I hope I will have the chance to repeat the experience with them on another project,” he noted.
Lessons learned from this screenplay
On the lessons learned from this screenplay, O’Brien said, “The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never give up on my vision. It would have been easy to let it slip into something else, to compromise along the way. But I kept going, staying true to what I believed in at my core. In the end, I built something that truly reflects my passion and purpose.”
The digital age
On being a filmmaker in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology, and social media are so prevalent, he said, “I embrace the digital era and believe it has democratized the industry, helping to discover new voices, including mine. Digital is great for certain types of content, but I’m still a passionate advocate for cinema and the theatrical experience.”
“With a father and grandfather who were both projectionists, I grew up in theaters, and nothing compares to the feeling of sharing emotions with a room full of strangers watching a film on the big screen. That’s why I strive to make films that have a real impact in theaters. ‘Mom’ was made for the big screen,” he elaborated.
“I shot it in anamorphic, and the pacing of the edit and sound is designed specifically for that experience,” he said. “My next film, ‘Bury the Devil,’ is also crafted for theatrical viewing.”
“Even the film I’m currently prepping will be shot in IMAX to fully immerse the audience in the story I want to tell. That’s not to say audiences won’t enjoy these films on a streaming platform, but to truly live the full experience, the silver screen is the place to be,” he explained.
Advice for young and aspiring filmmakers and storytellers
For young and emerging filmmakers and storytellers, he shared, “The best advice I can give is this: if you really want to make movies, go make movies. There’s no excuse today, all the tools are available. What matters most is having a good story to tell, and that takes practice. You need to experiment, learn what works and what doesn’t.”
“For young filmmakers, the best approach is not just to master the craft but to understand every department on set, the business side of the industry, and, most importantly, to find your voice. It’s not easy, it takes time and effort, but if you’re truly passionate about filmmaking, you’ll know it,” he elaborated.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he stated, “After more than 25 years in the business, I’ve had many moments that changed the course of my career and helped me find my voice, not just as an artist, but also as a businessman.”
“I can’t point to one defining moment or a specific crossroads, but I believe it’s the people I’ve met along the way who have had the greatest impact on my journey. I’ve been fortunate to meet wise mentors who guided me, answered my questions, and helped shape the person I am today,” he elaborated.
“I look forward to meeting the next person who will help me continue growing, both professionally and personally. These experiences have made me a better storyteller and a stronger leader for the people I work with,” he added.
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, he shared, “To me, success isn’t just about reaching a big, final goal, it’s about recognizing and celebrating personal wins along the way. It’s about being proud of what you’ve accomplished, no matter how big or small.”
“Success is deeply personal and relative to what you’re striving for in any given situation or moment. I try to remind myself to appreciate the little victories. It’s not always easy to see those moments as successes, but I work on it every day,” he said.
“A good friend of mine always says, ‘Let’s celebrate the little wins.’ That mindset has helped me stay motivated and grateful throughout my journey. At the end, success isn’t a fixed destination, it’s a continuous process of growth, learning, and finding fulfillment in what you do,” he acknowledged.
Closing thoughts on ‘Mom’
For fans and viewers, he remarked, “I hope the audience fully immerses themselves in the world of ‘Mom.’ While the film explores a very dark and unsettling subject, I want them to have an unforgettable experience—one that is both gripping and thought-provoking.”
“Emily Hampshire delivers an extraordinary performance that elevates every moment, and I believe audiences will be mesmerized by her,” he noted.
“This film will deeply resonate with those willing to embrace its emotional and psychological depths, and I hope they walk away haunted by its central message: A mother’s love never dies,” he concluded.
Read More: “Mom” review.
