Visionary filmmaker Ariel Julia Hairston is no stranger to pushing creative boundaries, but with her latest psychological thriller, Both Eyes Open, she takes a bold step as both writer and director. Set for a wide theatrical release in January to coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this screenwriting debut masterfully balances suspense and sensitivity, shining a light on trauma and resilience.

The film follows Ally, portrayed by Gail Bean (Snowfall, P-Valley), as she emerges from a domestic violence shelter only to grapple with haunting hallucinations of her abuser and cryptic messages suggesting her past is far from buried. With a gripping narrative and an exceptional ensemble cast, including Taye Diggs (The Best Man, Chicago), Joy Brunson (This Is Us), Tristan Mack Wilds (The Wire), Michael Oloyede (This Is Paradise), and Carla Fisher (The Boss), Both Eyes Open promises to captivate audiences with its raw storytelling and unrelenting tension.

In a recent conversation, Hairston shared insights into her creative process, the film’s themes, and her commitment to telling bold, inclusive stories.

Honoring Survivors Through Authentic Storytelling

Hairston approached the film’s delicate subject matter with care, opting to focus on the psychological aftermath of trauma rather than depicting explicit violence. “My goal was to honor domestic violence survivors while offering suspenseful, thought-provoking moments for the audience,” Hairston explains. “The hallucinations and cryptic messages Ally experiences were key to portraying her struggle with reality authentically.”

Collaborating closely with Gail Bean, Hairston ensured Ally’s journey felt visceral and grounded. “We had detailed conversations about Ally’s inner world, exploring how her trauma manifests. Gail’s ability to tap into Ally’s vulnerability and resilience brought an incredible depth to her performance.”

A Suspenseful Exploration of Reality and Perception

One of the film’s standout features is its ability to blur the lines between honesty and paranoia, leaving audiences questioning what’s real. For Hairston, maintaining this tension was a meticulous process. “The key was grounding Ally’s hallucinations just enough to make them plausible, creating subtle misdirections and using sound design to heighten the suspense.”

The result is a narrative that keeps viewers on edge, inviting them to share Ally’s uncertainty while exploring broader themes of trust, healing, and reclaiming control.

A Timely Release and Resonant Message

The film’s release around Martin Luther King Jr. Day underscores Hairston’s commitment to centering Black voices in genres where they are often underrepresented. “Releasing an indie Black film during a holiday that honors Dr. King felt fitting,” she says. “This film highlights the resilience of Black women and celebrates their stories in a way that feels long overdue.”

Redefining Cinematic Norms

As a filmmaker, Hairston is passionate about challenging traditional narratives and fostering inclusivity. “Both Eyes Open features three Black women as leads, which is rare in this genre,” she notes. “It was important to show their complexity, resilience, and vulnerability. By telling these stories, I hope to inspire other Black creatives to take up space and share their own.”

Hairston’s evolution as a storyteller is evident in Both Eyes Open. From her earlier projects like Boxed In, a sports drama, and The Comeback, a romantic comedy, she continues to expand her creative horizons. “With each film, I challenge myself to elevate my storytelling. Writing this screenplay allowed me to dive deeper into the characters’ psyches, which added a new layer of intimacy to the project.”

Collaboration and Community

Hairston’s dedication to collaboration is another hallmark of her approach. “I focus on creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard,” she shares. “For actors, I encourage them to explore their characters authentically. For the crew, I stay open to ideas and experimentation, which often leads to the best results.”

As Both Eyes Open prepares to hit theaters, it’s clear that Ariel Julia Hairston is a force to be reckoned with in contemporary cinema. Her fearless storytelling, commitment to inclusivity, and ability to blend suspense with sensitivity set her apart as a director and writer redefining the boundaries of film. Today is the official theatrical release of Both Eyes Open, so be prepared to experience a psychological thriller that will leave you questioning reality long after the credits roll.

Photography Credit: Melissa Alexander