Midnight In The Switchgrass, directed and produced by Randall Emmett, is a psychological thriller that follows FBI agents Karl (Bruce Willis) and Rebecca (Megan Fox) as they attempt to save abducted girls who have gone missing in the Florida panhandle. The duo find out about a girl who recently went missing from a gas station (played by Caitlin Carmichael) and eventually team up with state-officer Byron, played by Emile Hirsch, who is after a serial killer (Lukas Haas) that happens to be the main culprit of the case. With twists and turns, audiences will be on the edge of their seat riddled with anxiety waiting to uncover the truth behind the deadly murders.
The premiere screening was held at LA LIVE on Monday, July 19th. Attendees included film cast Emile Hirsch, Caitlin Carmichael and Sistine Stallone. Carmichael talked about the experience of playing a victim and the importance of representation of those girls on-screen.
“Knowing that my character serves as a symbol for thousands of missing girls whose stories that we’ve never heard, gave me this huge responsibility in playing Tracy to bring her to life in the most genuine way,” said Carmichael. “I was really excited to see when reading my sides that our writer Alan and director, Randall, didn’t want to shy away from the intensity and brutality of the story. It was exciting for me to take on the challenge of playing a kidnapped victim and bringing a true story to life, showing that authenticity on screen and not glamourising it in any way so I think that really adds to the bone chilling effect for viewers,” said Carmichael.
Emile Hirsch went on to talk about how grateful he and the cast feel to have made it to the premiere considering the challenges of shooting during the pandemic, noting that the filming process was halted several times.
“Part of my character, Byron Crawford, he’s this really determined homicide detective who has been on this case a long time with very little to show for it but it’s his determination that sort of sees him through to the end and by getting shut down multiple times as we were trying to go, I did kind of end up relating to the sense of just sort of wanting to finish something and the kind of marathon focus that takes.”
To celebrate Randall Emmett’s first feature film, the Vanderpump Rules cast came out to show support with Lala Kent, Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor on the carpet as well as James Kennedy DJ-ing the after-party at Katsuya LA Live. Love Island Season 1 girls, Alex and Elizabeth, walked the carpet as well.
Despite the intensity of the film, the crowd was lively after the screening and seemed to enjoy Katsuya’s fan-favorites. Rock Shrimp, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Albacore Sashimi and Wagyu Sliders were all served as well as Snoop Dog’s INDOGGO® gin.
Midnight In The Switchgrass will be released for viewing on July 23rd.