Michael is on the brink of a new start in life: a first real relationship and a stable job in a town where no-one knows him. Until his name returns to the news and his dream of anonymity starts to crumble, leaving him scrambling to keep his past hidden — and his new life safe.

Back in 2013, Oliver Goodrum created a film called ‘This is Vanity‘ which completely shattered us and its viewers. The film, which was proudly featured on Film Shortage, is a dark and tragic tale of a tiring mother who struggles to protect both herself and her disabled teenage daughter from the continual attacks of local adolescents. If you haven’t seen it, we strongly encourage you to watch it first. Fast forward 10 years later (in the story), and ‘Iniquity’ is born. Director Oliver Goodrum takes us back to the fiery outcome where the focus shifts to the assailant, and how his past starts to crumble his new life. We connected with the director to learn more about his process and intentions, read our interview below.

How important was it to bring Richard Crehan back as the lead in Iniquity?

We could not have made the film without him – We always wanted to be in his head, haunted with him, so the footage of him from the previous film was integral to that.

You obviously put lots of care into Micheal’s own emotions and his victimization, but you also didn’t glorify him. How did you balance the emotions towards the main character from the audience’s perspective?

The intention was always truth, no sugar coating, no spin, no bullshit – he did what he did and that was bad. So we portrayed that in the way we deemed to be correct. Most of the time it didn’t really feel like their was a choice – we would be and we needed him to be haunted – and he’s haunted by what he was part of and caused.

What was the most challenging scene for you to film?

The end scene with the vigil and load of people outside their window was a bit of a nightmare – it had lots of moving parts, we did not have a enough time to do it properly, it was crazy windy so the placards would not set fire for all the petrol we could find and when they did set fire it sent shit everywhere and we worried cause damage to property or wore somebody. Also the light was fading so the clock was ticking faster and faster. And to top it all off we had a prima donna actor who wouldn’t even set himself on fire for real… shocking.

Do you have any tips or advice to offer fellow filmmakers who are looking to make sequels?

We don’t see this as a sequel per se – it’s a companion piece but I feel and hope it works independently on it’s own. Again, it being a different character as the lead also distances it from a “sequel”.
So, the only advice I can give is, whether its a sequel, prequel, reboot or a unique new piece, and you are really into it, then do it, even if it doesn’t work, you’d have learnt a ton!

What do you hope people will take away from Iniquity?

Essentially I don’t hope people take away or learn anything – I was really captivated and intrigued by the idea, hopefully that translated into the finished product and they were captivated by it too.