When it comes to films that challenge conventions and captivate audiences, “Fire Fucking Fire” stands out as a remarkable achievement. Co-directed by Julia Eringer and Rachel Paulson, this short film has been making waves since its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and is now set for its West Coast premiere at the prestigious LA Shorts Film Festival. The film’s raw and honest portrayal of relationships, coupled with its striking visual style and powerful performances, ensures it leaves a lasting impression.
Julia Eringer’s journey to creating “Fire Fucking Fire” began with an idea sparked during the night shoots of the feature film “Good Kisser.” As Eringer recalls, “Rachel and I were starring opposite one another, playing lovers. At times, things got a little delirious. Rachel was on Raya, and a pretty famous rockstar slid into her DMs and invited her to a show. We spitballed a scenario about what might have happened.” This imaginative scenario laid the foundation for the film, with Eringer writing the first draft based on this intriguing concept.
“The main emotion that drives the film is anxiety, particularly the anxiety surrounding love. “We always talk about the movie as an anxiety dream,” Eringer explains. “It’s the anxiety around love—wanting it but not knowing how to get it or if it will be reciprocated as imagined.”
Casting the right actors was crucial for bringing the story’s raw emotion and vulnerability to life. Rachel Paulson was a natural fit for the role of Ally. “Rachel has a super distinct voice—she’s funny, direct, and dry but also vulnerable and sweet. It’s so fun to write for her, and this is the perfect role for her,” Eringer shares.
For the role of Meg, Eringer’s manager suggested casting a real rockstar. Calico Cooper, frontwoman of heavy metal band Beasto Blanco and daughter of Alice Cooper, fit the bill perfectly. “Calico had everything we needed,” says Eringer. “She had the on-stage experience and access to people who live this lifestyle.”
The film’s provocative title, “Fire Fucking Fire,” emerged organically. “Initially, the short had an interim title, ‘Rockstar.’ We used the name of the actual band and rockstar that DMed Rachel in real life, so we knew that had to change,” Eringer recounts. “I think I just came up with the name ‘Fire Fucking Fire’ out of nowhere—it just came out of my mouth. It’s really a movie about what happens when red flags are ignored; they don’t go away, they only burn hotter.”
“Fire Fucking Fire” delves deep into themes of empowerment and self-discovery, exploring the intricacies of personal boundaries. Eringer reflects, “Empowerment and self-discovery are incredibly important to me as a filmmaker. Ally, the protagonist, knows what she wants but lacks the confidence to be direct. It’s a journey of learning to stand up for oneself and establishing boundaries.”
The film’s visual style further enhances its storytelling. Working closely with DP Tamara Santos, Eringer used long lenses and soft glowy light to illustrate Ally’s idealistic vision of Meg. As the narrative progresses, the visuals become more saturated, mirroring the intensifying red flags around Meg’s behavior.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring original songs, plays a significant role in setting the tone. “Rachel and I worked closely with our editor Alexandria Bombach to curate the soundtrack,” says Eringer. “The opening song by Buglet is a sweet and simple love song, mirroring Ally’s feelings of love and hope. Another song by Beasto Blanco, ‘Out of Darkness,’ creates an out-of-control feel during the party scene.”
To capture the protagonist’s transformation authentically, Eringer emphasizes the importance of rehearsals. “I like to do relationship exercises and have actors improvise previous circumstances to develop their characters,” she explains. “Building trust as a team is paramount. I want my actors to feel comfortable and safe to take risks.”
The film has been described as a powerful and cathartic experience. Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. “The reactions that stand out the most are that it’s a ‘full experience’ and ‘works on a number of levels,'” Eringer says. “We set out to make a movie that was a fun ride, and I’d say we achieved that.”
Ultimately, Eringer hopes viewers take away a message of self-reflection and empowerment. “I hope audiences think about how they project their fantasies onto others and focus on being present in their real lives,” she concludes. “Fire Fucking Fire” is not just a film; it’s a call to reclaim one’s power and authenticity in the face of life’s anxieties.
As “Fire Fucking Fire” makes its West Coast debut at the LA Shorts Film Festival, it is set to leave a profound impact, not just on the screen but in the hearts and minds of its viewers. This short film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the courage to confront our deepest fears and desires.
