Experiencing Interruptions?

Helene

Years after surviving a traumatic assault, a sexually repressed woman's attempt at intimacy with her boyfriend triggers a grotesque transformation.

  • Reese Carmen Villella
    Director
    Boy Mom, Glutton
  • Reese Carmen Villella
    Writer
    Boy Mom, Glutton
  • Morgan Bramwell
    Producer
    The Delegate
  • Grace Walters
    Producer
  • Chazz Padilla
    Producer
    Young & Stupid
  • Audrey Hui
    Key Cast
    "Helene"
    Oh. What. Fun., Silicon Valley Girl, Sheep Without a Shepherd
  • John Ricotta
    Key Cast
    "Guy"
  • Chris Jaymes
    Key Cast
    "Doctor"
    Lost, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,, Law & Order: Organized Crime
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Drama, Body Horror
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 2, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    7,400 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Reese Carmen Villella

Reese Villella (she/her) is a playwright and filmmaker based in NYC. In May 2025, she graduated from NYU, where she studied subversive storytelling. As an artist, she is passionate about queer and female-centric narratives, body horror, and knowing how to have fun. She also interned in the script department at Saturday Night Live for its 50th season. As a filmmaker, she has written and directed the short films Helene, Boy Mom, and Glutton. For the stage, Reese has written and directed productions across NYC at venues including The Red Pavilion, The Tank, The Chain, The Producer's Club, Frigid Under St. Marks, and The WET. She cites Sofia Coppola as a major influence when she wants to sound normal, and Julia Ducornau and Gaspar Noé as inspirations when she’s in a safe space.

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Director Statement

Reese Villella is a filmmaker and playwright dedicated to exploring female-driven narratives, queer stories, and the transformative potential of horror. Reese uses her craft to delve into themes of identity, gender, and sexuality, creating work that is visceral, provocative, and empathetic.

With a particular focus on body horror, sex, and eroticism as vehicles for terror, Reese reshapes traditional genre boundaries to illuminate the complexities of womanhood and the human condition. Her commitment to subverting expectations and giving voice to the underrepresented reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to shift perspectives, foster inclusivity, and leave a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape.