Mali Elfman wrote and directed the film Next Exit, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
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Next Exit follows the characters Rose and Teddy, played by Katie Parker and Rahul Kohli. They have been selected to take part in Dr. Stevensen’s Life Beyond research which proves the existence of ghosts and the afterlife. Each character is tormented by significant moments and actions from their past, and this study offers them an escape. They embark on a road trip to Dr. Stevenson’s research facilities and are forced to face reality and overcome emotional obstacles. As the storyline develops, Rose and Teddy discuss their motivations for wanting to end their lives, which allows them to strengthen their relationship. Throughout the film, both characters are shown in various moments and stages in their development, which ultimately affects their original intentions.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 10: Mali Elfman attends the “Next Exit” premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Festival at Village East Cinema on June 10, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival )
Elfman describes the development of this project as coming from a place of fear. She details being, “Afraid of Covid. Afraid of war and guns. Afraid of losing more loved ones. Afraid of post-truth politics and of failing on this artistic path that I’ve chosen for myself. There is so much anxiety and fear in the world we live in… I made this project because I needed to find hope.” The overall writing process took Elfman 10 years, including elements from her personal life and questions she has had for herself during dark moments. Next Exit examines the repetitive cycle of trauma and the desperate need for a way out as it correlates to both characters. Towards the end, Rose and Teddy rediscover the importance of hope, life, and forgiveness.
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The Knockturnal spoke with some of the cast from the film Next Exit about what fans and viewers can expect to see.
