When it comes to mixing social media culture with good old-fashioned slasher horror, no one does it better than Marcus Dunstan, the man behind “All My Friends Are Dead” (#AMFAD). Known for his work on horror stalwarts like “Feast,” “Saw,” and “The Collector,” Dunstan’s latest effort is a chilling take on a modern-day murder mystery. Picture this: a group of hapless college buddies rent an Airbnb, expecting a riotous music festival weekend, only to find themselves falling like flies in a gruesome death march.

Clearly, this isn’t your ordinary weekend romp.

Dunstan, who stepped in as director following Kevin Greutert’s departure, recently spilled the guts (pun intended) about #AMFAD in an interview with Bleeding Cool. And boy, he had plenty to say.

Up-close and personal with Marcus Dunstan

When asked about what got him hitched to #AMFAD, Dunstan cheerfully revealed that it was the story that had him at hello. This was the type of script that didn’t just present characters but let him spy on their lives. Then, out of nowhere, things took an unexpected turn, and suddenly, Dunstan found himself gasping at the sheer emotional depth of it all. It scared him, not because of the gruesome horror but because he feared he loved it too much. Lured into the project, he began his foray into #AMFAD with trembling excitement.

Turning his dreams into reality, Dunstan gathered a terrific cast, a phenomenal crew, and a set of committed producers. Much like the experience with John Gulager, who had helmed the first screenplay that Dunstan and his co-writing partner, Patrick Melton, produced, the idea was to protect the essence of the project as much as possible. And hence began the saga of #AMFAD.

The challenges of horror: A Ringmaster’s perspective

What set #AMFAD apart was that it defied the regular norms of Dunstan’s work. It wasn’t just a gore-fest but a layered psychological labyrinth where the character arcs twisted slowly into a noose. The ensemble cast included the talented likes of Cardi Wong, Justin Derickson, Fiona O’Higgins, Jennifer Ens, Julian Haig, Jack Doupe-Smith, and Ali Fumiko Whitney, each bringing their characters to vivid life. But that was just the start.

Cuing in the star performer, Jade Pettyjohn, and the delightful surprise that was JoJo Siwa, Dunstan effortlessly assembled a diverse canvas that could juggle suspense, terror, humor, and heart – all at once. With the added magic of Peter Giles and Michaela Russell, it was a concoction that promised a meticulously crafted 91-minute roller coaster of emotions and surprises.

Reading between the lines

When asked about the on-set chemistry, Dunstan confessed that it was a cosmic alignment rather than a predestined plan. Julian Haig took the lead, and what began as a group of young performers turned into a clan of friends, each fiercely supportive of the other. The humdrum of social media was filled with their camaraderie, a testament that when it comes to horror, there is power in numbers.

The messiness of a murder mystery might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But under Dunstan’s seasoned hand, #AMFAD walks the tightrope between adrenaline-pumping fright and heart-tugging moments of intense emotion. Currently playing in select theaters as well as on digital and on-demand, this horror gem is worth sinking your fangs into.

Finally, if you find yourself shuddering at the edge of your seat, remember that #AMFAD isn’t an invitation to carnage. It’s a reminder that in the face of fear, we jump closer together. And that, folks, is the real heart of a good horror story.