Beyond the Stars, the Truth Awaits

Chris Messineo, an inspiring filmmaker, director and screenwriter, recently wrapped up his journey on the film festival circuit with his feature film, The Strange Dark. 

I’ve known Chris Messineo for 17 years, having started my journey at the New Jersey Film School (NJFS) where Messineo taught the art and craft of filmmaking, screenwriting and the world of film behind the camera to his students of all ages for fifteen years. 

Following the NJFS permanent closure in fall 2023, Chris went on to begin the journey of writing and making his film. 

The Strange Dark (2024) trailer & Messineo's IMDb profile picture. 

The Strange Dark’s poster highlights the mysterious atmosphere of the film. It was done by Sid Tabar, while Messineo's profile picture was taken by Mark Men.

“The future is a mystery; it is The Strange Dark” - Albert Einstein 

This very quote is shown surrounded by twinkling stars shining brightly in the night sky before the film starts and was the inspiration and start to such an entertaining and time bending thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish. 

The Director’s Blueprint 

How did you decide on the title of your film? 

I decided on the title long before I wrote the script. I was looking for a title that was unique with a vibe and that was never used before for a movie.

How long did it take to make your film once you had a script?

I was writing the script in mid stream in August 2023 when I approached my friend, Tony, and upon sharing my partially written script, we decided to go forward with production. Tony became my co-producer. We had to finish the script and assemble the location, props, actors and the film equipment. It took about 13 months from preproduction to finish the movie.  

What inspired you to make a full length film? 

I have been making short films since I was a teenager. I have made 100 short films and making a full length feature film was on my bucket list.  I, however, wanted to be ready.  I knew I would need money and that the making of the film would involve a lot of work.  

In a way, I was using this as an excuse, but I had not found the film idea that I was passionate about until "Strange Dark.” In thinking through the actual production, I began to realize that my film was perfect material for doing an independent film. It only required seven actors and one location.

What was the biggest creative challenge on this film and how did you overcome it? 

As the director and producer of the film, you are like a captain of 75 people who are working with you on the set. You have a very talented staff and crew, and you have to wrangle with all these talents. Some see things differently, and some are there primarily for the pay. Many are there for the love, passion, and art of making a feature film. Also, there is always the expense side. For example, when filming at ten o’clock at night, there is the need to pay $1,000 extra for overtime. If you are not yet happy with the results, you have to weigh what you need and can you afford it.

Getting 95% of what you envisioned to accomplish from beginning to end is a good result. Other directors will tell you that 95% is good. (Even though there is still the five percent I would change.)

How do you direct actors to get the performance you envision? 

I grew up doing live theater. I love being on the set itself. Sometimes, actors will take some ownership and ask questions about why the lines are the way they are. The key for me is to cast the right actors upfront, the right person for each part. Also, what’s important is to talk out why you are doing the part a certain way. It is important to be on the same page with respect to your mutual thinking.

The Strange Dark 

The story follows a man named Edgar, a husband and father, who is being tracked down by two mysterious people who claim they are from Edgar’s job at Double Star Accounting.

Edgar begins to become clairvoyant, i.e. see into the future. But with this ability comes a lot of worry. Edgar is seeing what will occur in his life. He sees that he and his family are in serious danger.

A Visual Feast: A Review of A Strange Dark

Throughout the film, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The cinematography was beautifully done as it made me feel like I was right there in the house with the actors.

Each actor and actress had such a unique way of portraying their character that made me feel like I was standing there right next to them. As I watched the film, the development of the characters came to life in a way that made me feel their emotions and I even want to help them.

Overall, the film made me think about whether by looking up at the stars, if there is the possibility to see the future.

Do you believe it’s possible?