Writer and director Ariel Julia Hairston stops by on Close-Up Culture to tell us more about her film, Both Eyes Open.
The film follows a woman who emerges from a domestic violence shelter only to be haunted by persistent hallucinations of her abuser. Mysterious cryptic messages soon further suggest that her past might be lurking in the distance.
What was the starting point for you to write Both Eyes Open?
Interestingly, Both Eyes Open began as a writing prompt from a producer friend of mine, J Carter. At the time, I needed a spark of inspiration, and he suggested the idea of a thriller about a woman in an abusive relationship. While the idea intrigued me, I knew I didn’t want to write a story that depicted a woman being abused. However, the seed was planted.
I decided to approach it differently—a story about a woman who has already left her abuser but is still haunted by him. That shift allowed me to explore the lingering effects of abuse and honor the experiences of survivors without focusing on the abuse itself. It became a drama/thriller/horror that examines survival as a life-long journey, intertwined with suspenseful elements rooted in the aftermath of trauma.
The film deals with intense subject matter. What was your creative process like for this project?
Creating a main character who suffers from hallucinations was both powerful and creatively challenging. I wanted those moments to feel grounded and real so that the audience could fully understand Ally’s inner turmoil—her inability to fully grasp what is real and what isn’t. That level of authenticity was key to the story.
When it came to the subject of abuse, I approached it with care and intentionality. The goal was to focus on the repercussions rather than the act itself. The tension and fear come not from depictions of abuse, but from the lingering effects it has on Ally’s mind and her sense of reality.
What did you want to explore with this story?
At its heart, Both Eyes Open is about the search for stability and connection. I wanted to explore how, in moments of solitude or vulnerability, we often look for a sense of normalcy in our friendships—sometimes to the point of overlooking red flags or rushing into connections that may not be as solid as we hoped.
It’s a story about navigating how to trust others without losing yourself in the process. Ultimately, it’s about realizing that the peace and stability we’re searching for in others can only truly come from within.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with this cast?
Working with the cast was such a fulfilling experience. They truly understood their characters and brought so much depth to their roles. On set, we fostered a safe environment where they could try different things and explore their characters fully.
I believe in allowing actors the freedom to make choices that feel authentic to them. To me, the best performances come from a collaborative effort where we both understand the character’s motivations and remain open to how those motivations can evolve. It’s a process that requires trust and flexibility, and this cast embodied that beautifully.
What are your hopes for the film and the impact it has?
One of the things I love most about this film is that it centers Black women. Our three lead characters (played by Gail Bean, Joy Brunson, and Christie Leverette) are all Black women, and that’s not something you often see in this genre. While the “woman in peril” trope is common, it’s rare to see Black women at the forefront, let alone three of them.
I hope this film shows that stories like these—Black women navigating complex relationships and friendships—are not only worth telling but worth celebrating. And as a Black woman writer and director, I want this film to inspire other Black creatives to tell their stories and take up space in this industry.
What were some of the forces that shaped you as a creative force?
For me, the biggest force has always been my internal drive to just go for it. When I started my career, I had no connections, no resources, and no roadmap—I simply had a desire to create. That determination has shaped the way I approach every project. It’s about trusting yourself, taking risks, and finding a way to make things happen, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. That mindset has been my guiding force as a creative.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m in the process of writing my next feature film, which I’m excited to produce and direct. At the same time, I’m eagerly awaiting the release of Both Eyes Open and the opportunities it might bring.
It’s an exciting chapter for me. While I don’t know exactly what’s next, I’m focused on embracing the creative process and staying open to what the future holds. Every project brings new opportunities for growth, and I’m ready to see where this journey takes me.
Photo Credit: Eric Jordan