Grimmfest’s Grim Tidings from Lawrence Jacomelli of ‘Blood Star’

As Grimmfest 2024 comes to a close, one film that is set to leave a lasting impression is Blood Star, a raw and suspenseful desert noir that fits perfectly into the festival’s Fear on Four Wheels strand. Today, we’re talking to the film’s writer and director, Lawrence Jacomelli, whose gritty debut film is to premiere to UK audiences at this year’s festival. Blood Star is a high-octane thrill ride that blends the relentless cat-and-mouse tension of Red Rock West and Breakdown with an unflinching social commentary inspired by real-life injustices like the tragic cases of Sarah Everard and George Floyd. It features a chilling performance by John Schwab as the psychopathic sheriff, Bilstein, whose badge grants him unbridled power to terrorize the vulnerable, and Britni Camacho, whose portrayal of a resilient Latina petty thief showcases an indomitable spirit as she fights to survive.

Lawrence Jacomelli may be a first-time director, but his work is already being celebrated on the international horror circuit, thanks to Raven Banner picking up the film earlier this year. It’s an incredible achievement for a project shot in just ten days with a budget under £200,000. With Blood Star, Jacomelli takes audiences on a visceral journey through dusty, barren landscapes, crafting an atmosphere heavy with tension and uncertainty. Ahead of its screening at Grimmfest, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lawrence and talk about the inspirations behind the film, his journey into the horror genre, and why Grimmfest was the perfect place for Blood Star to premiere.

Lawrence Jacomelli, writer-director of ‘Blood Star’

Tell us why you are at Grimmfest

Lawrence Jacomelli: Blood Star was acquired by our sales agent Raven Banner in early 2024, which considering this is my first film, shot in ten days for a budget just under 200k, felt like a huge achievement in itself. Since then, their festival manager, Kirk, has been working incredibly hard to take Blood Star around the festival circuit, and when he told us that Grimmfest were interested in screening the movie, I was absolutely thrilled for two reasons. Having a UK premiere means a lot to me—I am British, I studied in Bristol, and have shot many TV commercials here over the years. Becoming a film director has always been my ambition, so being able to have my debut movie screened here amongst friends, family, and a UK audience is amazing.

Secondly, not only is Grimmfest considered one of the best genre festivals in the world, but Blood Star has also been selected for the “Fear on Four Wheels” category. This is such a niche category, and it’s perfect for our “desert film noir road movie.” It felt like the perfect fit.

How did you get into horror?

Lawrence Jacomelli: Jaws… in a nutshell. When I first saw this movie, I was in awe of the tension and release it created. That gave me a lesson in filmmaking that has stayed with me and influenced my work hugely ever since. Creating suspense is what I find the most exciting to write and create. I like to keep people hanging on a thread. For me, great horror filmmaking is as much about what you don’t see—it’s about stretching the audience’s imagination, pushing them to draw on their own anxieties before I drag them in a new direction.

What scares you the most?

Lawrence Jacomelli: Definitely sharks, and the threat of sharks. I was once surfing in Venice Beach, and I was sitting out back when suddenly, I felt a tug on my leash. I turned around, terrified, started splashing around, and then a head popped up—a cheeky little seal. Yep, it’s definitely sharks.

Who or what is your favourite horror character?

Lawrence Jacomelli: The best ever horror performance is Jack Nicholson in The Shining, but again, it’s not so much about the horror as it is about the character arc and the threat of horror. Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance is terrifying because of how he transforms—it’s that descent into madness that makes it unforgettable.

What is the grimmest thing you have ever seen?

Lawrence Jacomelli: Every quarter, we have to do a VAT return… That’s pretty grim.

Blood Star has its UK premiere at Grimmfest 2024, screening as part of the Fear on Four Wheels strand. The film follows a young Latina petty thief who, while driving cross-country through New Mexico, finds herself targeted by a psychopathic sheriff who uses his badge as a license to prey on vulnerable young women. To survive, she must use all her street smarts and resilience to outwit a relentless predator.

Blood Star will be available for digital download from 7th October.

Blood Star trailer