Deadly Illusions Film Drama With Director Anna Elizabeth James
Deadly Illusions is a 2021 American thriller drama film written and directed by Anna Elizabeth James and starring Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Greer Grammer, and Shanola Hampton.
Kristin Davis plays Mary, a mystery writer with a back catalog of successful books and no plans to write another one anytime soon. She’s too busy sauntering around her mansion and being a doting mother and wife. But when it turns out her husband, Tom (Dermot Mulroney), lost a bunch of the family’s money in an extremely vague way that no one ever bothers to explain, Mary gives in to her publisher’s begging for a new book so she can cash in on the $2 million advance that will come with it. Now that Mary has to work, she needs some child care for her elementary school–age twins, so she engages a fancy nanny-matching service in her search for a babysitter, and she ends up hiring Grace, a 20-ish-year-old who seems perfectly angelic … or does she?
Cultured Focus met with Deadly Illusion Director Anna Elizabeth James to discover her inspiration for the film, the importance of portraying female sexuality in an accurate way and her advice for aspiring screenwriters.
Exclusive Interview with Director Anna Elizabeth James
Director:
Anna Elizabeth James is a director, writer, and producer who first caught the filmmaking bug after being given the opportunity to create her own TV show in junior high school. Ever since then Anna has had an insatiable desire to collaborate and bring artists together towards a common goal.
Anna’s third feature film, Deadly Illusions, was completed under her company banner Kiss and Tale Productions – where she wrote, directed, and produced. The film became an instant smash hit upon its release on Netflix in March of 2021. The psychological thriller, known for its bold approach and “keep-you-guessing narrative” has been featured in a myriad of publications including Forbes, Newsweek, People, Elle, E News, Fatherly, etc. for breaking numerous streaming records, landing at number one worldwide for 8 days and the top ten worldwide for 12 days. The story follows a bestselling female novelist suffering from writer’s block who hires an innocent young woman to watch over her twin children. As the novelist dangerously indulges in her new best seller, the line between the life she’s writing and the one she’s living becomes blurred. The film stars Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Greer Grammer and Shanola Hampton and was acquired by Voltage Pictures for domestic and worldwide sales during the pandemic. Because of the fan fever, a sequel is underway which Anna is currently writing.
Deadly Illusions is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Dark Star Pictures will release DEADLY ILLUSONS on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Fandango Now, YouTube, Dish Network and through local cable providers on June 1.