By: Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/5/24 – Supernatural thrillers have always captivated audiences with their spine-tingling narratives and thought-provoking themes. This September, a new addition to the genre, THE SOUL TRADER, hoping to make its mark at three prestigious film festivals across the United States. Directed and produced by visionary Susan Dynner and her production company Aberration Films, this proof-of-concept for a feature film or television series promises to be a tantalizing treat for fans of the supernatural and macabre.
‘THE SOUL TRADER’ follows the story of Coral Chase, who is portrayed by Shauna Grace a captivating newcomer to the big screen. Coral is no ordinary protagonist; she is an occult hitwoman with the extraordinary power to steal life-extending souls. In a world where the wealthy elite crave eternal youth, Coral finds herself in a lucrative business, selling these coveted souls to individuals like socialite Erica Claessen, played by the iconic Donna Mills.
However, Coral’s world takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Damien, a stoic bodyguard portrayed by Shane West. Initially, Damien seems to be a mere protector of Erica, but as the story unfolds, he emerges from the shadows as Coral’s rival, setting the stage for a thrilling clash of will and supernatural abilities.
‘THE SOUL TRADER’ boasts an impressive ensemble cast and crew, each bringing their unique talents to the table. The film is directed and produced by Susan Dynner, with a script penned by newcomer Mike Underwood. Behind the camera, Mathias Schubert, a talented cinematographer known for his work on projects like ‘The Door Man’ and ‘Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me,’ captures the film’s haunting visuals.
Lauren Bancroft, the producer behind ‘The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles’ and ‘Wild Bitch,’ brings her expertise to the project, while David Hopper, the editor of ‘God Bless America’ and ‘Rust Creek,’ weaves the narrative together with his deft touch. Completing the creative team is Jeff Russo, the composer behind the scores of ‘Fargo,’ ‘Ripley,’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ who lends his musical talents to heighten the film’s atmospheric tension.
‘THE SOUL TRADER’ embarked on its festival journey on Labor Day, September 2nd, with a screening at Rock the Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles. This will be followed by a premiere at the prestigious DC Shorts Film Festival on September 6th, where the film will be showcased at 12:00 PM PDT.
Dynner and Grace, the driving forces behind ‘THE SOUL TRADER,’ are appearing at each of the screenings, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the creators and gain insights into the making of this captivating supernatural thriller.
While ‘THE SOUL TRADER’ is currently a tantalizing short film, its creators have grander ambitions. Dynner envisions the project as a proof of concept for a feature-length film or possibly a television series, allowing the complex and intriguing character of Coral Chase to be explored in greater depth.
‘THE SOUL TRADER’ introduces a new breed of complex heroine to our screens,” Dynner says. “On one hand, she’s a devoted single mom trying to make ends meet for her ten-year-old son. On the other, she’s a cold, contract killer with occult powers, and now rivals want to learn her secrets. It’s a sexy and provocative short with a killer twist, but I think this is only the beginning. Our short is a proof of concept for something much bigger, and we can’t wait to let Coral loose on the world.”
Shane West, who portrays the enigmatic Damien, echoes Dynner’s sentiments, adding, “Working on THE SOUL TRADER was great fun. It’s good to flex your Machiavellian muscles every now and again, and I got to do that playing Damien. It’s a short that packs a big punch and has huge potential.”
As ‘THE SOUL TRADER’ moved through its festival run, audiences can expect a thrilling cinematic experience that blends the supernatural with compelling character dynamics. With its talented cast and crew, intriguing premise, and ambitious future plans, this supernatural thriller promises to leave a lasting impression on festivalgoers and pave the way for an even more expansive exploration of Coral Chase’s world.
Moreover, the film’s exploration of complex themes and character dynamics has the potential to spark meaningful conversations and debates around topics such as morality, ambition, and the consequences of our actions. Presenting a multifaceted heroine who defies traditional archetypes, ‘THE SOUL TRADER’ encourages audiences to question their own perceptions and beliefs, fostering a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the world around us.
