Yearning in Motion by Paul Risker
The summer of 1998 in New York City was a time defined by neon lights, burgeoning stardom, and the kind of reckless freedom that only the city can offer. But beneath the glittering surface of nightlife and ambition lurked a darker, more mysterious reality, one that American director Corrin Evans dives into with her feature debut, Corpus.
At the heart of the story are three friends: Sayo, a small-time drug dealer and nightlife photographer; Vince, an aspiring movie star; and Ross, full of energetic spirit. Seeking an escape from the urban grind, the trio decides to head upstate for a party—a chance to let loose and indulge in debauchery away from the concrete jungle.
Their journey leads them to a remote manor, a place seemingly isolated from the world. However, this night of expected revelry quickly spirals into something far more unsettling. As they settle into the secluded setting, they become ensnared by three enigmatic women: Billie, Wren, and Cata. These figures introduce an agenda that rapidly transforms the carefree party into a terrifying psychological ordeal.
What begins as a night of wild abandon soon reveals a sinister complexity. The mysterious company the friends find themselves in pushes far beyond typical hedonism, offering a form of debauchery that tests their limits and exposes hidden fears beneath the surface.
Corrin Evans, who co-wrote the screenplay with Lily Cowles—who also serves as producer and star in the project—masterfully directs this exploration of psychological horror. While Corpus delves into intense personal drama, it stands alongside her other short films, such as Cousins, which examines the complex romantic feelings between relatives, and the comedy Joe Goes To Therapy, starring Cowles.