RIFF Film Spotlight: Julia Halperin and Jason Cortlund New Film Crookedfinger

Co-directors Julia Halperin and Jason Cortlund's new film, Crookedfinger, is a must-see

Co-directors Julia Halperin and Jason Cortlund have, time and time again, created films that explore the inner complexities of human relationships. These relationships may be romantic, such as in their debut feature Now Forager (2012), or familial, as in their newest creation, Crookedfinger.

Filmed in an isolated location in off-season Cape Cod, cinematographer Jonathan Nastasi, composer Chris Brokaw, and lead actors Paula Jon DeRose, Welker White, and Blake DeLong truly bring this psychological thriller to life. The use of both suspense and supernatural aspects works perfectly to encapsulate the horror of feeling alone even while in the presence of one's own family.

The audience is introduced to Maria Gallucci, who is back at her childhood home in Cape Cod after her parents’ sudden deaths. When her estranged brother Nico shows up with his girlfriend Sigrid to help, things start to go haywire. Although Maria and Sigrid form an unexpected friendship, tensions rise between the siblings as arguments spark over how to sell their parents' estate.

Although it may be due to a past head injury or childhood trauma, Maria watches as her brother's behavior becomes more erratic and unstable, with no clear explanation. At the same time, she can’t seem to escape a strange vibrating hum within the house that only she can hear.

As stated by the filmmakers, “Crookedfinger is about breaking attachments to the old stories that haunt us—and finding the strength to start over again from zero.”

A screening of Crookedfinger will be held in Theater 3 at the Prospector on May 18, 2 pm.

Crookedfinger, Saturday Night Feature. Get tickets Here

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 2 pm – Prospector Theater No.3 Please visit RIFF’s website here for more information.