By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/31/24 – In the evolving landscape of contemporary filmmaking, where traditional narratives are continuously redefined, visionary director Sophia Ray has emerged as a trailblazer. Known for her unique blend of dreamlike aesthetics and underlying darkness, Ray’s latest project, Triptych, stands as a testament to her distinctive style and her ability to delve into the depths of psychological horror.
Sophia Ray’s journey into filmmaking is as unconventional as her artistic vision. Initially making her mark as a graphic designer, her exceptional visual storytelling quickly propelled her into the world of moving images. While at the university her student film garnered critical acclaim, earning a spot in the prestigious graduate’s issue of Creative Review. This early recognition paved the way for her diverse career, transitioning seamlessly between live-action and animated projects while collaborating with artists like Lily Allen and 5SOS. Her groundbreaking work earned her a VMA early in her career—a remarkable feat for any aspiring filmmaker.
Ray’s reputation continued to grow as she ventured into branded content and music videos, working with industry giants such as Google, Nike, and the BBC. Her collaborations with artists like Olly Alexander, Raye, and Ellie Goulding further solidified her position as a creative force. Notably, her boundary-pushing campaign for Sex & Cancer earned her prestigious accolades, including the British Arrow and a Clio, cementing her status as an innovator in the industry.
Triptych exemplifies Ray’s signature style, characterized by a blend of dreamlike whimsy and darker, surreal undertones. The film, a psychological short horror, delves into the haunting remnants of the past and their impact on the present. It follows a high-end art dealer whose meticulously crafted world is threatened by a mysterious force from her past, set to unravel everything she has built.
The film’s narrative is a collaborative masterpiece, brought to life by a talented ensemble of creatives. Producers Byron McNally, Medb Riordan, and Mayling Wong, along with Executive Producers Emma Suki, Oliver King, Simon Cooper, Emmanuel Imani and Roland Walters, have curated a seamless fusion of artistic visions.
Sophia Ray describes Triptych as an exploration of the interplay between art, ambition, and the darker aspects of human nature. She aims to reveal how art is not merely a reflection of the human condition but a dynamic force capable of influencing and transcending its creators and observers.
At the core of Triptych is a rich narrative crafted by writers Atticus Hoffman and Roland Walters, who breathe life into the characters and their emotional journeys. The film’s visual artistry, led by Director of Photography David Foulkes, captures haunting atmospherics with precision. The editing team, Paul Watts and Meg Thorne, ensured a seamless flow of narrative and emotion.
The film’s soundscape, designed by Ben Gulvin and composed by Finn Keane, complements the visuals, enhancing the sense of unease and immersion. The production design team, spearheaded by Julija Fricsone Gavriss, Frederik Tjærandson, and Grozdan Mihaylov, have created intricate sets and costumes that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. Hair and makeup artists Jimmy Owen Jones, Gergana Ivanova, and Parashkev Todorov, along with visual effects lead Guillaume Weiss, add depth and nuance, enhancing the film’s surreal quality.
The casting process, led by Kharmel Cochrane, was instrumental in bringing the complex characters to life. Emma Suki, Emmanuel Imani, Anjela Nedyalkova, and Stoyan Radev have been selected to embody roles that resonate emotionally with the audience.
Triptych has already made waves on the festival circuit, securing a screening at the Academy Award-qualifying HollyShorts in August 2024 and selection for the upcoming Bolton International Film Festival in October 2024. With its exploration of psychological depth and haunting visuals, Triptych promises to leave a lasting imprint and further establish Sophia Ray as a visionary filmmaker whose work challenges conventions and transcends boundaries.
