Interview: ‘Death Kiss’- Eva Hamilton

❉ Justice has a familiar face in ‘Death Kiss’, released on DVD and VOD this month… Eva Hamilton tells all.

Filmed in Northern California, action-vigilante feature Death Kiss stars Robert ‘Bronzi’ Kovacs, who has gained attention for his uncanny resemblance to a certain well-known action star, and Eva Hamilton (horror fest fave Ruin Me); alongside Daniel Baldwin (John Carpenter’s Vampires), Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop, Two Moon Junction), Stormi Maya, Leia Perez, Reese Austyn, and Sam Story.

Death Kiss concerns a vigilante with a mysterious past who goes to a crime-infested city and takes the law into his own hands, at the same time protecting a young mother and her child. Writer-director is Rene Perez (Playing With Dolls: Havoc).  Producer is Jeff Miller (The Toybox, Ouija House), through his company Millman Productions.  Gary Jones helped executive produce through his company Mosquito Entertainment.  Zach Carter served as Supervising Producer.

“Rene’s movie is very cool and stylish.  It feels like a throwback to the Cannon films of the ’80s,” says Miller.  “After an enthusiastic response at Texas Frightmare Weekend in May, we’re excited to show the film to the general public.”

We Are Cult chats with actress Eva Hamilton, known for her roles in Ruin Me and Ouija House, about Death Kiss, released today on DVD from Uncork’d Entertainment.

When the script arrived and you read the name ‘Death Kiss’ on it what was your first thought? Did you know what films it was emulating?

I had worked with (producer) Jeff Miller before this film on Ouija House. He suggested me to Rene for the role so that’s sort of how I ended up auditioning. I didn’t immediately know what film it was emulating. When I found out I had booked the part, I showed a friend of mine a concept photo they had taken. It was of Bronzi. My friend was like, “Oh yeah, that’s Charles Bronson.” I had a vague idea of who Bronson was but had no idea how much they looked alike until I watched someone genuinely confuse them. I hadn’t seen any of the original Death Wish films at the time. When I first started talking to Rene about the film I was like, “Okay, so what’s the deal? Bronson IS dead, right? Is this an homage that we’re making?”

The film knows exactly what it is, and yet it’s played seriously – but is there any other way to play it? 

I guess it could go all out in terms of the self-aware, tongue-in-cheek thing, if that’s what Rene had wanted. But I think the fact that it’s played seriously is the right way to go, tonally.  It wouldn’t feel the same if not. It would feel like a mockumentary.

I imagine action films are fun to work on? Lots of light moments had on set?

My scenes were obviously less action-y than others, but yes they’re definitely fun to work on. We had a small cast, small crew, long days – it becomes like family. There’s like a creative summer camp feel to it. With guns.

Also as for action I was legitimately terrified to shoot that gun. I’m less versed in guns/ action movies in general than most people on set. It ended up being kind of an amazing feeling, but at first I was completely freaked out.

What’s Robert Kovacs like?

Bronzi is really kind and sweet and just a lovely person in general. We also stayed in the same place off set so we got to hang out. I loved working with him.

How is it working in big action sequences. Is it dangerous at all?

It’s fun and it’s challenging. It can be dangerous, but only if everyone isn’t on the same page. 

Is there a scene you enjoyed filming the most?

My scene in the kitchen with K (Bronzi), where I tell him the real story about my daughter. 

What kind of direction did Rene offer? Did he encourage you to improvise?

Rene and I rehearsed prior to shooting and I had a good sense of who Ana was, why she’s here. And then I just got to make her a real person. We started on the same page and when it came down to it he let me really run with her and develop the character.

How empowering is it playing a strong female role like this?

It’s great. I love playing someone who is strong, capable and flawed – a real person.

Would you say she’s anything like the real you?

I don’t know that I’d say we’re similar. There are similarities.

Finally, what’s next for you?

Since Death Kiss, my film Ruin Me was released on AMC’s Shudder. I just signed on with a new team I’m very excited about and was voted Northern Frights Festival’s Final Girl 2018. The next I can be seen in is the upcoming Kevin Smith film Max Reload and the Nether Blasters.


❉ ‘Death Kiss’ is released on DVD in North America, December 4 2018 from Uncork’d Entertainment. The DVD includes special features such as director’s commentary and a trailer. 

❉ ‘Death Kiss’ is also available on VOD from Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Xbox, Google Play, Fandango Now, Vubiquity, Dish Network, and Comcast EST.

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