In the realm of independent filmmaking, there are brilliant emerging artists who are breaking barriers to tell original stories. One such talent is Kelly Nicholson, a 29-year-old rising filmmaker from Wollongong whose company, Atomic Darlings, is transforming the narrative of women in film with its unique approach to storytelling.
The Flame recently chatted to Kelly about the ethos of her new company, as well as the short film she wrote and directed earlier this year, Connected.
Kelly decided to name the company Atomic Darlings because she wanted branding that reflected her vision of promoting diversity, particularly focusing on individuals who identify as women both behind and in front of the camera. Combining contrasting elements in the name, with ‘atomic’ making the common pet word ‘darling’ powerful and explosive, she aimed to challenge stereotypes and present strong, flawed and multi-dimensional women characters.
“We’re very used to seeing female characters that are either helpless or they are, you know, insanely skilled bad asses and they really shouldn’t be when you think about it realistically. So, I wanted to make films that were unexpected and breaking away from those two things,” Kelly said.
What emerges in her psychological horror, Connected, is a woman character who is struggling and strong at the same time, subverting expectations by fighting against mental health issues as well as the oppressive threat of technology that can consume our lives. The use of dark lighting, minimal colour and tense, invasive music in the film effectively captures technology as a terrifying external force that is seeking to possess us.
Adding to this sense of entrapment captured so eloquently by Kelly, the entire film is set in one house, with one actor, Isabelle Rienits, who hears haunting whispers from her smart home device and becomes increasingly connected to it, while detaching herself from reality. Kelly wanted to bring to the forefront how impossible it is to escape technology in the modern world by creating this science-fiction film that is set in the present.
“I have technology in every room of my house, and it listens to me. I wear a technology-infused watch. I’ve got a phone in my hand all the time. I’m wearing Bluetooth headphones right now. It’s interesting because it can be really scary to think about what the future of technology is later, but it is a very interesting thought of what we have in our homes today,” she said.
Kelly recently had the opportunity to pitch Connected at a film concept competition run by Inner West Film Fest, Film Ink and Breathless Films, and she is currently in the post-production process. With the positive reception it has received so far, she is hoping to adapt it into a full-length feature film one day.
For those eager to follow Kelly’s journey and support Atomic Darlings, her social media accounts by the same name will keep you updated on current and future projects, including the release of the film.