Kate Siegel on Her Trippy ‘V/H/S/Beyond’ Film, Real-Life Alien Theories and the Joy of Working With Husband Mike Flanagan

As a fervent admirer of all things sci-fi and horror, I find Kate Siegel’s journey to be nothing short of captivating. Her passion for the genre is palpable, and her knack for turning that enthusiasm into tangible, hauntingly beautiful works of art is truly remarkable.


Kate Siegel has no qualms about discussing the topic of extraterrestrial life openly. When questioned about her beliefs regarding aliens, she provides a detailed and eerie answer.

She expresses her love for science fiction literature, with Ray Bradbury being one of her all-time favorite authors. Currently, there’s a lot of debate about whether aliens truly exist. However, it seems like the consensus is shifting towards ‘yes.’ The question now is not ‘if’ they exist, but rather ‘when’ and ‘where’ we will encounter them. She speculates that aliens might be hiding in plain sight on our very planet. If we ever realize it, it could be something as simple as an octopus or a fungus structure that turns out to be an alien that has been here for eons. The thought that they may have been among us all along is what she finds most chilling.

Analysis indicates that Siegel is an ideal fit for “V/H/S/Beyond,” the seventh installment in the horror anthology series focused entirely on science fiction stories. Recognized as a Scream Queen from productions such as “Oculus” and “Hush,” as well as television shows like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass,” Siegel skillfully directs the short film “Stowaway.” This segment, a standout in the movie and the series, features a woman (Alanah Pearce) who discovers a UFO and subsequently boards it, leading to unsettling and imaginative visuals.

Even though she was keen on the genre, Siegel, being a newcomer as a director, hadn’t been actively pursuing opportunities to direct.

She admits that she hadn’t actively sought out the chance to direct, but when everything fell perfectly into place, there was no other option than to take the leap. She explains, “V/H/S” has always served as a launchpad for aspiring and emerging filmmakers. It provides a rare setting where you are both part of a collective and an individual, so you receive backing from an established brand while still having the freedom to exercise creative control.

In “Stowaway,” it’s Mike Flanagan, a longtime collaborator and partner for eight years, who takes the director’s chair. According to Siegel, their successful joint ventures stem from maintaining honesty and respect in their professional journey.

She states, “When I pose a query to him, he’ll respond truthfully, which may seem straightforward, but it’s incredibly significant.” What she means is that he will provide the straightforward feedback I need, or vice versa, which can be tough to find elsewhere when it’s not veiled in politeness. In the world of making countless decisions, what matters most is honesty and directness. I am assured that he always values me and stands by my side.

Siegel views “Stowaway” as a potential successor to poetic science fiction pieces such as “Contact,” as well as films with a focus on body horror like “The Fly.” For the lead role, he chose Pearce, who is best recognized for his work in video game journalism and writing.

Alanah has been part of my friend circle for quite some time now, and she’s an intriguing and captivating individual,” Siegel notes. “She’s someone you’d want to observe in a room and ask about her thoughts. She’s an exceptional collaborator and a generous artist. When I was deciding who I wanted to collaborate with for my debut, she was definitely at the top of my list. I had seen some of her voiceover and video game work, as well as her performance capture projects. It eventually struck me that ‘This woman is an actress.’ I could sense it in her. Working with Alanah to shape this role and letting her bring more of her unique insights and charm to the character, which was specifically written for her, was a truly exhilarating experience.

With his background as an actor, Siegel brought a distinct flair to the movie’s direction.

She expresses that her camera movements carry a deep emotional quality rather than a purely technical one. It appears that all of her camera maneuvers are driven by feelings, which she believes is a unique aspect stemming from her background as an actor.

What can we anticipate following the release of “Stowaway”? With obvious excitement, Siegel expresses his desire to dive back into this world and flesh it out further, stating, “I’d be thrilled to develop this into a full-length film. There’s a rich, compelling story within it that I yearn to share.

Beyond that, she’s thrilled to have a fresh creative outlet.

As a passionate film aficionado, I’ve developed an invigorating new connection with directing. It’s drawing my focus and passion at this moment, making each day thrilling as I explore a fresh narrative approach. Acting isn’t being abandoned; instead, I find myself becoming more selective, as there’s now something captivating that demands my full commitment. Yet, when a compelling tale knocks on the door, be it as a director, producer, or actress, I’ll be ready to embrace it wholeheartedly.

“V/H/S/Beyond” is now available to stream on Shudder.

Kate Siegel on Her Trippy ‘V/H/S/Beyond’ Film, Real-Life Alien Theories and the Joy of Working With Husband Mike Flanagan

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2024-10-04 19:47