Local Filmmaker Takes on ‘Higher Methods’

The recently released trailer for Higher Methods is generating lots of excitement for the film, which director Nathan Suher describes as a “trippy psychological drama.”

Higher Methods is about an actor named Matthew (Michael Christoforo) whose search for his missing sister leads him to a theater group led by an unconventional instructor.

“It goes to some really dark places,” Suher said, noting the themes “appealed to my insecurities.”

The cast also features Abigail Jean Lucas, Kayla Caulfield, Marybeth Paul, David Afflick, Jamie Lyn Bagley, Alina Abraham, Anthony Ambrosino, Brad Kirton, Kim Mulhauser and Aaron Andrade.

The screenplay was written by Lenny Schwartz, who is best known for his work as a playwright (The Social Avenger, Ben Minus Zoe Minus Ben). Schwartz’s other work includes the scripts for Murder University and Accidental Incest.

Higher Methods is the first feature-length film for Suher, who has directed and produced several short films including Unholy Grail, Right There and Next/Door.

Suher compares Higher Methods to the 2010 drama Black Swan, which starred Natalie Portman as a ballerina who teetered on the brink of madness.

“Any artist would find a lot to mine in this story,” Suher noted. “We all have those insecurities.”

Suher praised the actors for their professionalism during the 19-day shoot, which began last January.

“Everybody brought their ‘A’ game,” Suher said. “I didn’t have to do a lot of directing.”

The independent production was filmed locally. Scenes were shot at Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket and the Dark Lady nightclub in Providence, as well as in Seekonk and Rehoboth, MA.

Suher hopes to exhibit Higher Methods at some major film festivals including Sundance, SXSW (South by Southwest), Toronto and New York’s Tribeca, as well as “lower tier” festivals in the hopes of building an audience and securing a distributor.

“We’re going to give it a shot,” Suher added.

For a look at the trailer for Higher Methods, go to imfilmworks.com/higher-methods.html.