FridayOL

“Oh, Hi!” delivers a unique blend of awkwardness and humor, exploring the unsettling dynamic of a couple unknowingly being filmed by a former tenant. But did you know the film was almost a full-blown horror movie? Star, co-writer, and producer Molly Gordon recently revealed her strong desire to steer the project away from the horror genre, and her reasons are fascinating.

During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Gordon explained her vision for the film. While the premise certainly lends itself to scares and suspense, Gordon felt a horror approach would fundamentally miss the point. “I didn’t want it to be a horror movie,” she stated plainly. “I really wanted it to be a comedy about relationships and about feeling awkward and observed.”

The core of “Oh, Hi!” isn't about jump scares or supernatural threats; it's about the uncomfortable realities of relationships and the feeling of being constantly watched – a feeling many can relate to in the age of social media and pervasive surveillance. The film taps into a very modern anxiety: the awareness that your life could be documented without your knowledge or consent, but it reframes that anxiety through a comedic lens.

Gordon’s decision to avoid horror was a deliberate creative choice, aiming for a more nuanced and relatable exploration of these themes. She wanted audiences to laugh at the awkwardness and cringe at the uncomfortable moments, rather than being terrified by them. This approach allows the film to delve deeper into the complexities of the characters and their interactions.

The film's director, Mark Mylod, known for his work on Succession, clearly understood and supported Gordon's vision. Together, they crafted a film that is both hilarious and unsettling, using the premise of surveillance to examine the quirks and vulnerabilities of human relationships. The delicate balance they struck has resonated with audiences, proving that humor can be just as effective – if not more so – than horror in exploring unsettling themes.

Ultimately, Molly Gordon's insistence on keeping “Oh, Hi!” a comedy demonstrates the power of a strong creative vision. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most effective way to confront our anxieties is with a good laugh. The film’s success is a clear indication that audiences are hungry for intelligent, funny, and relatable stories, even when they involve a slightly creepy premise.