Buckle up, because the film I Live Here Now sounds like the kind of neon-soaked fever dream. If you’re into psychological thrillers that prioritize “vibes and existential dread” over jump scares, this debut feature from director Julie Pacino needs to be on your radar.
A Career Peak Meets a Personal Crisis
The story centers on Rose (played by Lucy Fry), a struggling actress who is finally standing on the edge of her “big break.” She’s got top-tier agent Cindy Abrams (Cara Seymour) in her corner and a life-changing opportunity within reach.
But, as it usually goes in these stories, life has other plans. Rose is hit with bombshell news that flips her world upside down just as her career is taking off. To make matters worse, her casual boyfriend, Travis (Matt Rife), decides this is the perfect time to introduce his overbearing, boundary-crossing mother (Sheryl Lee) into the mix.
Pushed to her absolute breaking point by the pressure of fame and family, Rose does what any rational person in a psychodrama does: she runs.
The Crown Inn
Rose flees to The Crown Inn, a dilapidated, “blink-and-you’ ll-miss-it” motel at the edge of civilization. But this isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place where reality starts to leak. The linear world disappears. And past and present start to bleed together.
The motel is filled with eerie dwellers, most notably Lillian (Madeline Brewer). She’s a woman who seems to know more than she should.
Rose isn’t just running from her boyfriend; she’s battling sleep paralysis, splintered memories, and a physical trauma her body remembers even if her mind has tried to bury it.
Why the “Vibe” is Everything
What sets I Live Here Now apart is its visual DNA. This isn’t a digital, polished production. The film was shot on 35mm, with specific sequences captured on 16mm to give it a raw, grainy, nostalgic texture.
A nightmare wrapped in neon, it leans heavily into the dreamlike (and often nightmarish) aesthetics of classic psychodramas.
The Powerhouse Cast
The ensemble here is a wild mix of genre veterans and rising stars: Lucy Fry (The Vampire Academy, Godfather of Harlem) stars alongside Matt Rife, a comedian known for “Wild ‘N Out.” There’s also “The Handmaid’s Tale” star Madeline Brewer, Sheryl Lee of “Twin Peaks,” and Cara Seymour (American Psycho).
Coming Soon
Directed by Julie Pacino and produced by Kyle Kaminsky, I Live Here Now looks to be a haunting exploration of identity and the fragile line between memory and madness. It’s a story about what happens when you can no longer outrun your own history.
There will be national Special Sneak Preview screenings celebrating Twin Peaks Day at participating Alamo Drafthouse locations on February 24, 2026.
