Marriage Bites: A Hilarious Twist on Vampirism and Modern Relationships

Atlanta Wire Staff

“Marriage Bites” stands out as a unique film that skillfully blends horror, comedy, and social media theories, offering a fresh perspective on the vampire genre. In an insightful interview with the film’s creator, the project’s intricate details were explored, from its conceptual foundation to the casting journey, filming locations, special effects, and more.

Directed by Alex M. Gibson, known for works like “Silence: A Love Story” and “Summoning Frank,” this film adds another notable entry to his filmography. The cast features talented actors, including Ashley Hargrove as Linda—who also penned the screenplay. Hargrove has previously appeared in “Nashville,” “Fairwood,” and “Unnerving.” Joe Komara plays Martin, drawing from his experience in films such as “Falling for the Competition,” “A Perfect Christmas Pairing,” and “A View to Kill For.” Nicole Butler portrays Mary, showcasing her skills from “Skate to Hell,” “Bar Rescue,” and “Reloaded 2.” The ensemble also includes Shawn C. Phillips as Tate, Grayson Thorne Kilpatrick as Cory, Daniel Emery Taylor as Arnold, and Wynn Reichert as Mr. Relic, alongside new additions Robert LaSardo and Zachary Vazquez.

The inspiration for “Marriage Bites” arose from a desire to delve deeper into the horror-comedy genre after working on a previous script. The concept of creating a character inspired by a friend’s vampire portrayal led to the development of Martin, a role that was deemed ideally suited for Joe Komara. The narrative follows Martin, a suburban husband trapped in a mundane existence, who undergoes a transformative journey into vampirism, significantly altering his life. This transformation also affects his wife, Linda, as she navigates the changes in their relationship. Throughout the story, Martin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reaffirming the importance of family amid their evolving circumstances. The film examines the complexities of a stagnant marriage while delivering a poignant message about love and support overcoming challenges.

What sets “Marriage Bites” apart is its innovative integration of social media theories, offering a unique twist to the traditional vampire narrative. The film humorously critiques the dangers of blindly following misleading social media narratives, leading characters into absurd and sometimes perilous situations, ultimately serving as a cautionary reminder about the authenticity of online content.

The casting process melded familiar faces with fresh talent, with many actors recommended based on their skills and suitability for specific roles. The filmmaker emphasized the importance of networking in the industry, noting how collaborations with other filmmakers bring new insights and enhance the overall project.

Filming took place across various locations, including Studio Huntsville and Thunderdome Studios, providing ideal backdrops for key scenes like office environments, morgues, cemeteries, and arcades. Each setting added humor and depth, enriching the film’s narrative tone.

“Marriage Bites” showcases impressive special effects and stunts, elevating the film’s excitement and creativity. With the guidance of SFX artist Tara Merryman and stunt performer Justin Harvey, the film features inventive death scenes, fangs, and mirror illusions that are sure to captivate audiences.

The filmmaker describes “Marriage Bites” as a comedic horror film with darker moments and gruesome deaths, drawing comparisons to cult classics like “Dale and Tucker vs. Evil,” “Cooties,” and “Shaun of the Dead.” This genre blending creates a distinct and enjoyable viewing experience.

In the interview, the filmmaker highlighted the significance of collaboration and networking within the filmmaking community, expressing gratitude to talented team members, including makeup artist Jennifer Gibson, script supervisor Caitlin Kline, and composer Tony Jenkins.

Reflecting on memorable production moments, the filmmaker shared anecdotes from a photoshoot and skits that introduced key characters, highlighting the lighthearted atmosphere and camaraderie among the cast and crew. There are also exciting hints of potential future projects related to “Marriage Bites,” including the possibility of a sequel.

The filmmaker aims for audiences to have a fun and memorable experience with “Marriage Bites,” while also conveying vital messages about trust, love, and embracing change in life.

To support the production of “Marriage Bites,” the filmmaker has launched an Indiegogo campaign. This initiative invites fans and supporters to play a crucial role in bringing the film to fruition through financial contributions. The campaign offers various perks and engagement opportunities, such as exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, live streams with the cast and crew, and other exciting rewards for contributors.

Getting involved with the campaign not only helps fund the impressive special effects and production quality but also fosters a sense of community among those passionate about the project. By sharing the campaign link with friends and social media networks, supporters can help generate interest and visibility for “Marriage Bites.” Every contribution, regardless of size, can significantly impact the film’s success, ensuring audiences experience this unique blend of horror and comedy.

Engaging with the campaign is a fantastic way for fans to feel connected to the filmmaking process and to be a part of a project that promises innovative storytelling and unforgettable moments. Whether through financial support or simply sharing the campaign, every effort contributes to the realization of “Marriage Bites.”