Imagine a chilling tale of love, desperation, and monsters, all unfolding against the familiar backdrop of Sault Ste. Marie. That's exactly what local playwright-turned-filmmaker Calvin Lane is bringing to life with his debut film, The Agony of Sullivan Moss. This psychological horror short film, shot entirely in the Sault with a cast of local talent, follows a terminally ill man on a haunting quest to rescue his missing wife from a terrifying pursuer. But here's where it gets intriguing: the film is not just a story of survival; it’s a testament to Lane’s relentless passion for storytelling and his determination to bring his vision to the big screen.
At just 23, Lane has already made a name for himself in the local theater scene, but this film marks a bold leap into a new medium. The Agony of Sullivan Moss is more than a project—it’s the culmination of years of dreaming and dedication. ‘I’ve been completely obsessed with movies since I was a kid,’ Lane shared with SooToday. ‘Being able to finally film and bring this to life has been a massive goal of mine.’ And he’s not just the writer; Lane also directed, edited, designed costumes, and wore countless other hats to ensure his vision remained cohesive. With a lean crew of just five people, this film is a true labor of love.
But this is the part most people miss: Lane’s commitment to local talent. ‘The actors I’ve worked with are people I’ve met through the theater scene here,’ he explained. ‘They’re incredible, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.’ This community-driven approach adds a layer of authenticity to the film, making it a celebration of Sault Ste. Marie’s creative spirit.
The Agony of Sullivan Moss is set to wrap production in the coming weeks, and Lane has his sights set on prestigious film festivals, including Sundance. If accepted, he plans to host local screenings, giving the community a chance to experience the film in all its cinematic glory. ‘We’ll rent out a space, set up surround sound, and let everyone enjoy it on the big screen,’ he said.
This film isn’t Lane’s only venture into storytelling. For years, he’s been running Unfathomable Horrors (http://unfathomablehorrors.ca/), a production company that brings original plays to the community. Whether on stage or screen, Lane’s passion is undeniable. ‘There’s nothing else that makes me feel the way storytelling does,’ he reflected. ‘Knowing that my work resonates with people—that’s what keeps me going.’
And here’s where it gets controversial: Is The Agony of Sullivan Moss just the beginning? Lane hints at a feature-length film set in the same universe, with details dropping soon. But what does this mean for the future of local filmmaking? Could Sault Ste. Marie become a hub for indie horror? And how will Lane’s unique blend of theater and film influence the industry? These are questions worth discussing. What do you think? Is Lane’s ambitious approach a game-changer, or is it too early to tell? Let us know in the comments!
