A cadre of local acting and writing talent will finally see its efforts hit the big screen this weekend, when “Collide” shows at 1:30 PM Saturday in Murray’s famed and historic Cheri Theaters.
For $2, moviegoers and independent film geeks will get 45 unrated, rough-cut minutes of a film crafted by promising Murray State University students — in what they call a “tongue-in-cheek thriller charting the pitfalls of dating app culture.”
Dustin Wilcox, a Racer and graduate of Hopkinsville High School, played a pivotal role in the collaborative writing process alongside mastermind Zack Claggett — working through major story beats, narrative writing, iron outs and vibrant dialogue.
Together, Wilcox noted the film should have a familiar tone.
As such, it’s fair to say we know Clueless was written in, and for, the ’90s. Wilcox said he hopes this effort exudes the same energy.
Fellow co-writer Abigail Michalek, from Webster County, helped provide some crucial story edits before production of 19 scenes began the past August.
Cade Utterback, a Hopkinsville High School graduate and employee for WPSD Local 6, crafted a 30-second trailer for the film — which stars Holden Mast, Natalie Boyle, Hunter Menton and Chance Sherrill in key posts.
The plot of the film? Well, despite his questionably promiscuous inclinations, protagonist Zeke (portrayed by Mast) finds himself increasingly disillusioned with the vapid nature of swipe-based romance. Little does he know his next date could be his last – when he meets Jessica (portrayed by Boyle), who uses the titular “Collide” phone application to lure in her murder victims.
And thus, the film’s name is clear.
Played by Sherrill and Menton, Zeke’s friends Chad and Roger try to steer the story in a different direction.
Wilcox called this unique opportunity a “win-win” for their crew. As students, they got access to Murray State University’s audio/visual equipment. Cheri Theaters keeps all film proceeds. And the movie gets a premium showing.
Wilcox, Claggett — who’s from Caruthersville, Missouri — and many of the film’s hands and eyes have spent their burgeoning youth working in films and/or theater, and will be taking the appropriate steps to stay in the media world.
Special thanks have to go out to some familiar locations in Calloway County, including the Cheri Theatres, Corvette Lanes, Murray Peddler’s Mall, Terrapin Station and Cypress Springs Resort.
Wilcox can be reached by E-mail at dustin.ryan.wilcox@gmail.com, or by phone at (270) 484-8161.
