In the aftermath of a family tragedy, a brother and sister who have been estranged from each other embark on a journey to mend their relationship. However, their decision to start anew in a quaint small town proves to be ill-fated. The latest narrative film by Stephen Cognetti, the mastermind behind the found-footage Hell House LLC series, is titled 825 Forest Road. The story revolves around the siblings as they move into an old house that is being sold at a surprisingly low price, only to discover that the town is shrouded in darkness and secrets.

io9 had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Cognetti about his inaugural narrative film, following the release of four Hell House LLC found-footage films, with a fifth installment on the horizon. 825 Forest Road is set to premiere on Shudder this Friday.

This interview has been edited and condensed to enhance clarity.

Cheryl Eddy, io9: You’re primarily known for your work on the Hell House LLC found-footage series. What prompted your decision to experiment with a narrative approach for this particular film?

Stephen Cognetti: Found-footage was the ideal format for Hell House, but 825 Forest Road lent itself to a more traditional narrative style. I was excited to explore non-linear storytelling and break the story into distinct sections. As a filmmaker trained in traditional techniques, I appreciated the opportunity to venture beyond found-footage and try something new.

io9: As a horror filmmaker, your primary objective is to scare your audience. How did your approach differ in a narrative format compared to your found-footage films?

Cognetti: My goal is always to craft a film that scares audiences on some level. While Hell House was often described as a “slow burn,” I employed a similar technique in 825 Forest Road. I introduced elements gradually, allowing the audience to absorb the atmosphere and become invested in the story. The film begins with a formidable scare, but subsequently, the horror is more subdued, making it feel more grounded and relatable.

The story follows the siblings as they navigate their new environment, feeling like outsiders in a town where nothing seems to make sense. I aimed to create an sense of unease, where the audience is uncertain what is real and what is just their imagination.

io9: There are noticeable similarities between the Hell House series and 825 Forest Road, including a haunted house, a creepy mannequin, and a tragic history that continues to impact the present. What draws you to these specific storytelling elements?

Cognetti: I find inanimate objects to be inherently unsettling, and I enjoy exploring this theme in my work. The idea of small-town folklore and legends is also fascinating to me. I thought it would be intriguing to take these local stories and make them a reality, with significant consequences for the characters. This concept allowed me to delve into the idea that folklore can be more than just mere legend – it can be a cautionary tale with real implications.

My personal experience of moving from New York City to a small town in Pennsylvania in 2018 served as the catalyst for this story. I was captivated by the local stories and legends that my neighbors shared, and I began to ponder the possibility of these tales being true. This sparked the idea for 825 Forest Road, where the main characters uncover the dark secrets hidden beneath the town’s idyllic surface.

io9: You structured the film into chapters, each focusing on a different character. What inspired this narrative approach, and why did you choose to include overlapping scenes?

Cognetti: I’m a fan of non-linear storytelling, and I believed it would be an engaging way to tell this story. By presenting three separate narratives that intersect, I aimed to create a sense of complexity and depth. This structure allows the audience to piece together the story, discovering subtle connections and Easter eggs throughout the film. As the story unfolds, the audience is rewarded with a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.

io9: Although 825 Forest Road is not a found-footage film, it features a livestream sequence. What prompted your decision to include this element?

Cognetti: I didn’t intentionally set out to included a found-footage element, but rather, the scene emerged organically during the writing process. I was looking for a way to craft a scare that would be effective for the character, and the livestream sequence felt like the most fitting approach. I think it’s a fun and frightening moment in the film, and it serves as a nod to my found-footage roots.

io9: There are several scenes in 825 Forest Road that recall your work on Hell House, such as the perception of something in the background that makes the viewer question what they just saw. Can you talk about your approach to crafting these moments?

Cognetti: I enjoy creating scenes that are open to interpretation, leaving the audience wondering what they just saw. These moments make the film more engaging and rewarding, as viewers can rewind and re-examine the scenes to uncover subtle details. I believe this technique adds to the overall tension and fear factor, making the experience more enjoyable for the audience.

io9: Can you share some information about the upcoming fifth Hell House LLC movie, Lineage?

Cognetti: Lineage is not a prequel, but rather a film that explores both the past and present. We’re breaking away from the found-footage format, which I think will bring a fresh perspective to the series. I’m excited to try something new and create a unique experience for the audience. I believe Lineage has the potential to be the scariest installment yet.

io9: So, Lineage will not be a found-footage film?

Cognetti: That’s correct. Lineage will be a traditional narrative film, and I think this change in format will make it the most frightening Hell House movie to date.

io9: Do you envision Lineage as the final Hell House movie?

Cognetti: I think it’s likely that Lineage will be the last Hell House film I’m involved with. While the story may not be entirely resolved by the end of the movie, I feel that I’ve told the story I wanted to tell. However, I do believe there are still more stories to be explored within the Hell House universe, and I’m open to the possibility of other creators continuing the franchise in the future.

825 Forest Road will be available on Shudder starting April 4.

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