PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Check out my interview with Steven Morana, star of the new film, Beast Within. Learn more about his love for filmmaking, his character August, and more.
Synopsis for Beast Within
August, a lead gaming developer, is looking forward to finally meeting his online girlfriend, Cheyenne, at a launch party for his new gaming app ‘Werewolves Awaken’. They plan to meet at the VIP event, which is being hosted by an eccentric billionaire at his country estate. However, the festivities are interrupted by a priest who condemns the party guests as “marked for the beast.” Convinced it’s a publicity stunt, the party-goers disregard the protest until a dead body is discovered. August and Cheyenne, along with the remaining guests, become players in a deadly version of the game. Tensions and body counts begin to rise as all question who among themselves could be the ferocious killer – as everyone is a suspect.
PopHorror – Hi Steven! How did you get involved in the filmmaking business?
Steven Morana – The passion began when I was 7 and starred in my first play in grade school which sparked many others after that. It wasn’t until I got an agent as a young adult that I started getting introduced to the professional side of the industry. I was born and raised in Toronto and was heavily influenced by the Toronto International Film Festival. I went to events and premieres that housed the introduction to many talented professionals that I ended up working with.
PopHorror – That’s cool. If you could work with anyone in the business who would it be?
Steven Morana – One of my favorite filmmakers right now is, Ari Aster, and he is just getting started. I would love to be an actor in one of his films.
PopHorror – Yeah he is amazing and his work is true art. Tell us about your character AUGUST in the new film Beast Within?
Steven Morana – August is an anxious introvert who is a lead developer on a new gaming app being launched with a fancy party and press coverage. He just wants to stay out of the spotlight and finally meet his online girlfriend, Chyenne, who is at the party. When people suddenly start getting murdered around him he has to find the strength to step into a leadership position in order to survive and cope with tragedy along the way.
PopHorror – Could you relate to your character at all?
Steven Morana – August’s struggles with trusting people and being overwhelmed by carrying the burden of many were aspects to his character that I really connected with. August goes on to endure tragedy and loss as the story progresses and I was able to draw from grievances that I had experienced in my own life in these darker moments.
PopHorror – That always helps. What was your favorite scene in this film?
Steven Morana – I won’t go into detail in order to avoid spoilers but I will say, “the reveal scenes.”
PopHorror – Understandable! Do you enjoy the horror genre?
Steven Morana – Being scared is an adrenaline rush and it’s comforting when you can feel that rush from the safety of your seat. On a deeper level, horror appeals to me as an artform because it displays the reality of the dark side of life. Through understanding the darkness we see how we can survive and overcome our worst fears.
PopHorror – I agree, now I got to know what’s your favorite horror film?
Steven Morana – I could make a long list of all my favorites. I can’t just narrow it down to one. I think one of my favorite classic horror films of all time is, The Shining, and one of my favorite modern horror films is, Hereditary.
PopHorror – Great choices! Any upcoming projects?
Steven Morana – I can confirm Beast Within II is in the works!
PopHorror – That’s exciting! Thanks again for taking the time to talk with PopHorror, Steven. Beast Within is now available on Digital and VOD.
