Five FrightFest Facts with Eric Owen from ‘In a Cold Vein’

Some films take their time to build tension. In a Cold Vein doesn’t waste a second. The latest feature from writer, director and musician Eric Owen throws the audience headfirst into a brutal world of betrayal and revenge, opening with a botched assassination attempt and never letting up from there. Equal parts crime thriller and survival story, it’s a sharp, pulsing noir that shifts from grim humour to nerve-shredding intensity as its anti-hero claws his way toward the truth.

Owen, who previously directed Thirst and is one half of the JUNO-nominated rock duo Black Pistol Fire, brings both a writer’s edge and a musician’s instinct for rhythm to the film. The result is a story that feels as much about atmosphere as action, built on tight pacing, jagged energy, and a keen sense of how music can amplify tension. With its world premiere set for FrightFest, In a Cold Vein promises a ride as relentless as its title suggests.

In this Five FrightFest Facts interview, Owen talks about his journey from short fiction to filmmaking, the genre classics he’d like to see revived for modern audiences, and why music deserves to be recognised as one of horror’s most powerful tools.

Eric Owen, director

1. Tell us about your film

It’s a wild fucking ride! Keeping it as simple as possible, without giving too much away – a criminal survives a kidnapping/assassination, goes through hell to figure out who set it up, then gets revenge on those that did. There’s no build up, we are RIGHT IN IT from the first frame. I’d say the first half has a few comedic moments, which is a nice way to ease in to the second half, which is quite intense.

2. How did you get into making movies?

I started out writing. I’d always written short stories, a few attempts at novels, then started writing screenplays. After writing a few and realizing how difficult it is for an Un-Produced screenwriter to sell a script, I started writing things I could make myself. I’d Write, Wirect, Produce, and Score. This started with several short films, and ultimately, two features, IN A COLD VEIN being the second. So the short films and my first feature were like my film school.

3. What films would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?

I love a really well done, whodunit slasher. Give me the mystery and keep me guessing! I’m a huge thriller fan and I think it would be great to bring back the erotic thrillers of the 80’s and 90’s. I feel like there’s not a lot of them being made now, and that FrightFest fans would really love if a modern day Fatal Attraction or Unfaithful. Bring the formula from those times, but updated to reflect both our current technology and values.

4. If you could create your own award to give at FrightFest, what would it be and why?

There would be two! Both music based…Best Score and Best Needle Drop. Maybe it’s because I’m a musician, but I feel like music can really make or break a film. So, I’d love the score to be honored since I know how vital creating the musical atmosphere is. Think of what “The Social Network” would be like, without that pulsating score. And a perfectly timed song…”Jeepers Creepers” playing in that movie, “Red Right Hand” in Scream. The music becomes synonymous with the film itself.

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?

Fantastic Question! It would be called, “You Wouldn’t Dare!” and I’d like Sam Rockwell to grow his hair long and take it on!

In a Cold Vein receives its world premiere at FrightFest on 22 August 2025.

In a Cold Vein trailer