COMING SOON

ABOUT THE FILM

The Fascinator is a psychological romantic drama/musical about a man bound in an endless loop of fascination with a woman who haunts his thoughts. An idealised version of her has taken over his imagination, creating a world he both loves and hates, but cannot seem to escape.

As her wedding approaches, he reaches a breaking point. Consumed by his fascination, he is unable to see the other possibilities and connections around him. In a musical dream sequence, his missed chances confront him with the realisation that the person standing in his way is himself. He must find a way to let go before the fantasy consumes him completely.

INSPIRATION

The Fascinator was inspired by a story Iris's grandmother told her about a recurring dream she had for many years. In the dream, she would find herself walking across a particular tiled floor. One day, she recognised those same tiles outside a house and eventually remembered walking there as a little girl with her mother, who had been distressed on their way to see a doctor. The memory had stayed with her since childhood.

Years later, when the tiles outside the house were being replaced, she found a broken piece left behind and took it with her. She never had the dream again. This idea of taking something physical from a memory in order to finally let it go became the starting point for The Fascinator.

The title has a double meaning: the fascinator as an object and the “fascinator” as the person who holds another's fascination.

MUSIC

Music became an important part of telling the main character's internal story. “Not Your Enemy” was written, composed and produced specifically for The Fascinator and features in the film's musical dream sequence. The song marks the emotional climax of the story, as his missed chances force him to confront the fact that he has become his own obstacle.

“Not Your Enemy” was nominated for Best Original Song at the International Sound & Film Music Festival and is available on all major streaming platforms.

If you like the music from the film, explore The Fascinator inspiration playlist, featuring songs from the film alongside the music that inspired the creation of the soundtrack.