some years back I walked into a party where I didn’t know 99% of the people there, wanting to make new friends.
I had mingled and barely spoke to anyone for a while and was about to leave the party before even attempting to connect with one person, when a guy walked up to me and asked me if I liked to sing karaoke because he wanted to play some songs on the piano in the living room. I thought to myself “fuck it”, and I joined him in the living room and sang my go-to karaoke song: What’s Up? By 4 Non Blondes. the song was so unifying and the energy in the room felt like it went from “strangers” to “family”.
I ended up staying and meeting people who I now know i’ll be friends with for life.
the guy that convinced me to stay and play the piano? Shal Ngo. the director of Hulu’s new original horror film: Control Freak.
I haven’t seen Shal much since that day because he moved to New York, but I love when life brings me back to people in the coolest ways. this is one of those moments.
Shal’s latest film - control freak - is about a motivational speaker, plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head, who becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland.
what’s so synchronistic about the plot of this film, is that my friend who threw the party I met Shal at - Jesse Israel - is a keynote motivational speaker. isn’t that funny? I love when life’s funny-weird like that.
I loved the film. if you love horror, get ready. there are like 2 scenes that are wildly gory, so if you’re into that kinda shit, you’re in for a treat.
if the mere thought of itching makes you gag, Control Freak is about to ruin your day.
I asked Shal and the star of the film Kelly Marie Tran a bunch of questions about how they captured the sound of itching, vicious cycles, and if this story were told from the parasite’s point of view, what would it think of its relationship with Valerie (the motivational speaker)?
I was mostly fascinated watching this motivational speaker—someone who teaches others how to take control of their lives—lose control. I love the idea of someone not being able to integrate something they preach - it’s so human. It’s like seeing your therapist freak the fuck out on someone on the street - I love paradox like that.
the film made me realize how deeply people fear being seen as out of control.
I couldn’t help but wonder…if we admit we’re struggling, do we lose credibility—or do we finally become real?
Control Freak starts streaming today on Hulu. if you end up checking it out - let me know what you think below!
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