THE ASSISTANT   

 

Written and directed by Young and starring Lydia Hearst, this short film – conceived and edited as an extended trailer – explores the themes of identity and submission. The opaque narrative tells the story of a reclusive celebrity's interaction with her assistant, which may or may not lead to a murder. The film draws inspiration from the 1975 film “The Maids,” based on the play by Jean Genet, which depicts two sisters who enact violent fantasies of killing their mistress while impersonating her. Camp and absurdist, “The Assistant,” is also a comment on the nature of parasocial relationships with celebrities. 

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The apocalyptic opener was created using a photo of a torn movie poster on a construction site wall, rendered as a globe in 3D. 

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The film was shot on the roof of The Standard Hotel in New York City.

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Music: "Floe" by Philip Glass