Exclusive interview: ‘Coup!’ Co-Directors on Wild Ride and Pandemic Parallels
Ready for some drama, intrigue, and a bit of class warfare all wrapped up in a historical setting? Then mark your calendar because “Coup!” is hitting theaters tomorrow, and it’s about to take you on a wild ride you won’t forget!
Picture this: It’s the early days of the 1918 Spanish Flu. You’re stuck on a swanky seaside estate with an entitled journalist, his posh wife, and a mysterious new cook who’s got more tricks up his sleeve than a magician at a kid’s birthday party. Intrigued yet? You should be.
Meet the Characters
Our story kicks off when the suave and enigmatic Floyd Monk (played by the ever-so-charming Peter Sarsgaard) waltzes into the estate of Jay Horton (Billy Magnussen), a wealthy trust-fund kid who fancies himself a champion of the working class. Monk, a grifter with a past as colorful as a peacock, steps in as the new private cook. But trust me, he’s cooking up way more than just dinner.
Chaos in the Manor
As the pandemic turns the world upside down, Monk starts stirring the pot—literally and figuratively. He rouses the staff, a diverse crew including an African American governess (Skye P. Marshall), a Turkish driver (Faran Tahir), and an Irish housekeeper (Kristine Nielsen), to rise up against their snobby employers. What follows is a deliciously chaotic mix of mind games, rebellion, and class warfare that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Directors’ Insight on “Coup!”
Co-directed by Austin Stark and Joseph Schuman, “Coup!” uses its 1918 setting to serve up some spicy social commentary that feels oh-so-relevant today. Think of it as “Downton Abbey” meets “Parasite” with a dash of pandemic panic.
In an interview with PopViewers.com, co-directors Austin Stark and Joseph Schuman opened up on what it was like to bring this gripping story to life.
“It melds comedy with thriller. It melds suspense with a sort of dark sense of humor,” Schuman said. “It appealed to us not to do something so generic or formulaic – challenging the audience to laugh at moments where you might feel uncomfortable laughing.”
Stark opened up about why they decided to infuse a deeper message within the storyline of “Coup!”
“During COVID we saw the wealth disparity and how it was affecting people that that didn’t have means during a global pandemic. And in researching it further, the same things were happening during the Spanish flu in 1918, where the poor were getting screwed. And so we certainly wanted to highlight that and also make a film that speaks to how polarized America is.”
Visuals and Vibe
And let’s talk visuals. Shot by Conor Murphy, the film’s got a vintage vibe with its woodsy glow and sepia-tinted frames, making every scene look like a dreamy postcard from the past. The opulent interiors of the manor clash perfectly with the story’s cutting themes, making you feel every bit of the tension and drama.
Why You Should Watch
So, if you’re looking for a film that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking, “Coup!” is your ticket. Trust us, you’re going to want to talk about this one—and maybe even start a little revolution of your own.
Don’t Miss Out
Don’t miss out—head to theaters tomorrow to catch “Coup!” and let the drama unfold!
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