WARDEN, the new superhero film by director Marcus Alqueres, is making waves with its unique, documentary-style approach. Unlike typical superhero movies, WARDEN offers a raw and unfiltered look at how society reacts to the emergence of a real-life superhero.
The film, now available on VOD, explores complex themes of heroism, power, and societal reflection. It follows a young man in a struggling city who develops superpowers and decides to use them for good, but his actions ignite a range of reactions from those around him.
In a recent interview, director Marcus Alqueres discussed his creative choices and the film’s development.
Documentary Style: A Deliberate Choice
Alqueres revealed that the documentary format was present from the initial script. “It was written as a documentary,” he explained, noting that the script read like talking heads and described scenes as they would appear in a documentary. This format allowed Alqueres to delve into the film’s societal and political themes, which he is passionate about exploring. “You know, like it’s a general film, but told with the spin. So it’s not really what you expect,” said Alqueres.
The production of WARDEN faced challenges, notably the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alqueres shared how these limitations forced the production to be lean and creative. “All the interviews, it was just me and the actor, you know, one at each time,” he said, highlighting the intimate and efficient shooting process. This small-crew approach fostered a close connection between the director and actors, benefiting the film’s creative process. “It feels almost like more intimate and, you know, the connection between director and actor, it can be more like bonded because sometimes you have bigger crews,” Alqueres added.
Marcus Alqueres on Emulating Reality
The film incorporates a variety of visual styles to enhance its documentary feel. Alqueres explained that they embraced different camera techniques, from controlled interview setups to raw, amateur-style footage. The goal was to create a believable and realistic portrayal of events, avoiding an overly produced look. “It felt like I was watching a documentary,” one interviewer noted.
WARDEN delves into the consequences of bestowing great power upon an individual and its disruptive impact on society. Alqueres is fascinated by exploring these themes in a realistic and grounded way, drawing inspiration from comics like Watchmen and emphasizing the responsibility that comes with power. “That’s a theme that I love exploring in a realistic way,” Alqueres stated.
A Reflection of Today’s World
WARDEN aims to reflect contemporary society, including its relationship with celebrity culture and social media. The film also touches on how social media and fake news can shape perceptions and influence narratives. “So it was deliberate in a way that it’s another element to explore and reflect the point,” Alqueres said regarding the celebrity aspect.
Alqueres encourages viewers to watch with fresh eyes and experience something different. “I hope they have a good time watching,” he added.
