A horror movie directed by a Spielberg? That’s certainly a grabby notion, but Steven Spielberg isn’t following up The Fabelmans with a horror flick, let’s be very clear about that. Rather, his daughter, Destry Allyn Spielberg, is set to make her feature directorial debut with the upcoming thriller Please Don’t Feed the Children. This, according to the folks at Deadline, who bring word of the project as well as some details, including the casting of Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey, Non-Stop) in the lead role.
The film is described as an “elevated genre feature,” and it is due to begin production next month in New Mexico. What’s interesting is that the young Spielberg had originally been set to helm Four Assassins (and a Funeral) as her feature-length debut. However, that project is going to remain in development. So, instead, she’s set her sights on a psychological thriller that is on the fast track. The synopsis for the film reads as follows:
“In Please Don’t Feed the Children, after a viral outbreak ravaged the country’s adult population, a group of orphans heads south in search of a new life, only to find themselves at the mercy of a deranged woman harboring a dangerous secret.”
Paul Bertino penned the screenplay, with Jason Dubin, Josh Kesselman and Michael Hagerty on board as producers. As for Spielberg, she previously directed a couple of shorts in the form of 2019’s Rosie and 2022’s Let Me Go the Right Way. She’s also had minor starring roles in I Know This Much is True and Licorice Pizza. Spielberg had this to say about her forthcoming film:
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to bring this story to the screen with such a collaborative and inspirational team. This picture is so much more than just a horror film. It’s a dream come true to work with a talent such as Michelle Dockery. I am excited to elevate the genre with our incredible cast and crew.”
It is a little unfair to put the weight of her father on this film, but Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, with classics like Jaws and Jurassic Park under his belt, amongst many others. If the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, in this case, we could be in for something special. And for what it’s worth, Let Me Go the Right Way won Best Thriller at the City of Angels Women’s Film Festival. So her talent is already being recognized.
Please Don’t Feed the Children does not yet have a release date set.
