Filmed in summer 2020, “Sick Girl” is a comedy about a woman who feels she and her friends have grown apart. The film is distributed by Lionsgate Movies.
“This is a ‘be careful what you wish for film’ where a simple little lie begins to tear a whole community apart,” said Dr. Kurt Heinlein, professor of theatre and dance at Missouri State University and film stunt director.
Showcasing MSU talent
Written and directed by Jennifer Cram, the producing team for “Sick Girl” includes MSU acting alum Sean McEwen.
“The film is a very significant venture for Missouri State and several of our performer training programs, which are acting, musical theatre and the acting on camera undergraduate certificate,” Heinlein said.
In addition to McEwen, more than a dozen MSU students were hired as actors and/or stunt performers in the film: Sidney Baker (in trailer), Tanner Thiessen (in trailer), Michael Reiser, Chapman Blake, McKenna Murdock, Alex Tolar, Emily Trent, Kodie Brown, Lindy Jones, Natalie Renfro, Molly Fowler, Stacey Heishman, Zach Mallott, Baylor Barnes, Taylor Godwin and Heinlein, who was both stunt coordinator and a supporting role actor.
“It’s notable for one MSU person to be part of a project like this,” Heinlein said. “But it’s even more outstanding for multiple individuals from the same institution to be part of a major film production that gets a theatrical release.”
“It speaks to our training, student talent, institutional support and the deep connections we at MSU have with our successful alumni such as Sean McEwen,” Heinlein added.
More alum film success
In addition to his role in “Sick Girl,” McEwen also wrote and directed the film “American Outlaws,” which recently won in the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Screenplay and Best Actor (India Eisley) at the Boston Film Festival.
“American Outlaws” also features two prominent MSU alums: Tess Harper and Troy Metcalf.
The film comes out in theaters this fall and is available for purchase on Apple TV and other streaming services.