An Interview with Jackie Moore, Director and Star of Strange Reflections

by Mike Haberfelner

December 2025

Jackie Moore on (re)Search my Trash

Your new movie Strange Reflections - in a few words, what's it about?

Strange Reflections is a quiet, minimalist horror short about loneliness, vulnerability, and the unease that can arise when someone reaches out for connection - and how fear can subtly distort perception.

What were your sources of inspiration when writing Strange Reflections, and is any of it based on personal experiences?

While the story isn’t autobiographical, it reflects emotional truths about isolation and vulnerability that feel universally familiar. I was interested in how loneliness can heighten imagination and fear, especially during moments that are meant to feel warm or familiar.

According to my information, Strange Reflections is your first film as screenwriter and director - so what made you choose exactly this topic for your debut?

While Strange Reflections marks my first project as a writer-director, my directorial debut was the short film Second Shift, and I’ve also sold two screenplays. This story felt like the right first step for me creatively - intimate, contained, and emotionally rich. I wanted to focus on atmosphere, restraint, and emotional truth rather than scale or dialogue. I’m also preparing to direct my first feature film next year.

You've made Strange Reflections entirely dialogue-free - so was this a decision you've already made when writing your movie or did this only slip in later, during filming or even during editing? And how easy or hard is it telling a story without the help of speech?

The decision to tell the story without dialogue was intentional from the beginning. I wanted the audience to stay inside the character’s internal experience rather than be guided by words. It’s challenging, but also freeing -every look, movement, and sound choice has to carry meaning.

What cam you tell us about Strange Reflections' approach to horror?

The film leans toward psychological and emotional horror rather than traditional jump scares. Fear comes from stillness, silence, and ambiguity - from what’s left unsaid. I was more interested in sadness and quiet dread than overt shock.

A few words about your overall directorial approach to your story at hand?

My approach was minimalist and instinct-driven. I focused on mood, pacing, and performance, trusting small details and allowing the audience space to project their own emotions into the story.

You also play the lead in Strange Reflections - so what can you tell us about your character, and whad did you draw upon to bring her to life? And have you written Laura with yourself in mind from the get.go?

The character is someone quietly unraveling - isolated, guarded, and deeply sensitive to her surroundings. I didn’t initially write the role with myself in mind, but as the project evolved, it became clear that stepping into the role would allow for a more intimate and instinctive performance.

You also have to talk about your co-star Tom Hinshaw, and why him? And what was your collaboration like?

Tom Hinshaw and I previously worked together in the stage production of The Father, and I’ve long admired his emotional precision as an actor. His ability to convey warmth and subtlety was essential to the film. I was genuinely grateful that he connected with the material and wanted to be part of the project - his presence added a great deal to the story.

Do talk about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere!

The shoot was very small and focused. We filmed primarily in my home, and I was also fortunate to receive permission from the owner of a small antique shop in town to shoot there as well. Because the film was made on such a minimal scale, the atmosphere stayed quiet and intentional, which helped maintain emotional consistency throughout the process.

The $64-question of course, where can Strange Reflections be seen?

Strange Reflections is currently available to watch for free on Vimeo. 

Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of your movie?

The response has been very encouraging, particularly from audiences who connect with quieter, more atmospheric storytelling. Critics have responded positively to the film’s restraint, mood, and performances.

Based on your experiences with Strange Reflections, could you ever be persuaded to direct another movie? And/or any other future projects you'd like to share?

Absolutely. Directing Strange Reflections reaffirmed how much I love shaping stories visually and emotionally. I’m currently developing new projects and preparing to direct my first feature film next year.

Your/your movie's website, social media, whatever else?

IMDb: www.imdb.me/jackiemoore

Instagram: @Jackie__Moore

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Making this film reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful work comes from stopping the wait for permission and simply creating - even on a small, personal scale.

Thanks for the interview!

© by Mike Haberfelner

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