Crows watch Jennie Kermode


The journey from a challenging reality to a story of resilience is often found in the most compelling cinema. JP Davidson’s latest film, The Cull, dives deep into these themes, following Craig Russell as he plays Niall, a recently released prisoner attempting to rebuild his life in challenging circumstances.

Niall’s path takes a stark turn when he moves into a remote cabin nestled in ancient woodland, forcing him to confront the unknown dangers that await him. It is a narrative steeped in tension, exploring the complex human experience of survival and redemption.

The film itself was unveiled ahead of the Halloween edition of Frightfest, where it received its première and generated significant buzz. Before the premiere, the team sat down to discuss the creative process that brought this world to life.

For Davidson, the act of writing is rarely effortless. He describes the creative journey as a demanding, yet deeply rewarding pursuit. “My process is always the same,” he explains. “Writing doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s quite difficult, but it is probably the most rewarding part of the process.”

To navigate this demanding terrain, Davidson relies on developing a systematic approach—a guide that takes him from the initial spark of an idea all the way through the shoot and into final delivery. This process, he notes, was focused on the core concept of justice, using the film as an exploration of that idea.

The quest for authentic storytelling requires relentless searching, and Davidson is always looking for ideas that resonate with the audience, pushing boundaries and digging into complex human truths.

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