Horror filmmaker Eli Roth made a special appearance on TMZ’s ‘After Dark’ tour in Los Angeles on Friday, engaging with fans and promoting the same-day release of ‘Dream Eater,’ a chilling found-footage film he produced that is being hailed as one of the year’s scariest movies.
During the tour, Roth boarded the TMZ bus to guide attendees through various LA hotspots, sharing insider stories about ‘Dream Eater’ and his own experiences with sleep disorders that inspired the film’s themes. He entertained the crowd with anecdotes, including a humorous tale about actor Russell Crowe and a recommendation for In-N-Out Burger, while the group partied through the night. Roth also reflected on his past work, such as the haunted apartment he lived in during the filming of ‘Cabin Fever,’ adding a personal touch to the eerie atmosphere of the event.
‘Dream Eater’ is a low-budget horror feature directed by Mallory Drumm and Alex Lee Williams, who also star in the film alongside Jay Drakulic as co-writer and director. The plot follows a couple documenting the boyfriend’s violent sleepwalking episodes during a secluded cabin retreat in the snowy Laurentian Mountains, with the isolation and winter setting intensifying the terror as they suspect supernatural forces at play. The filmmakers drew inspiration from their own struggles to get the project off the ground, initially pitching a larger narrative before self-funding this condensed version.
The production was remarkably hands-on, with Drumm and Williams performing their own stunts and handling editing duties to stretch their $40,000 budget. They recorded audio on-site after each scene to ensure authenticity, often braving harsh conditions like running barefoot in snow, which contributed to the film’s raw, cinéma vérité style. This dedication allowed them to create a visually striking movie that rivals higher-budget films, with Eli Roth noting how the snow itself became a character, evoking memories of classic horror scenes from ‘The Shining.’
Roth discovered ‘Dream Eater’ through a viral TikTok review and reached out to the team via Instagram, eventually selecting it as the second release under his ‘The Horror Section’ curation. He praised the film’s dread-inducing atmosphere and technical excellence, comparing it to classics like ‘The Blair Witch Project’ and ‘Paranormal Activity,’ and highlighting the final 15 minutes as exceptionally frightening. Roth’s endorsement has provided significant exposure for the independent filmmakers, who expressed overwhelming gratitude for the mentorship and support, describing the collaboration as a dream come true.
The release and promotional efforts, including the TMZ tour, aim to give audiences a theatrical experience reminiscent of landmark horror films, with Roth emphasizing the importance of communal viewing for full immersion in the suspense. As ‘Dream Eater’ continues its theater run, it represents a milestone for grassroots filmmaking and the horror genre, showcasing how emerging talent can achieve critical acclaim with innovation and passion. Roth’s involvement not only boosts the film’s profile but also reinforces his role in nurturing new voices, much like directors who supported him early in his career.
Looking ahead, the success of ‘Dream Eater’ could pave the way for more independent horror projects to reach wider audiences, leveraging platforms like social media and curated releases. The filmmakers hope their story inspires others to pursue creative risks, while Roth remains committed to discovering and promoting groundbreaking work that delivers authentic scares. This event underscores the evolving landscape of film distribution, where personal connections and digital outreach play key roles in bringing unique stories to life.