By Romey Norton - February 18, 2025
In the world of high-stakes thrillers, Lifeline stands out as a gripping, emotionally charged film that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. At the helm of this project is Feras Alfuqaha, whose meticulous approach to storytelling and character development brings depth to the film’s suspenseful narrative. In this exclusive interview, Feras Alfuqaha discusses the journey of finding the right script, collaborating with actor Josh Stewart, and the challenges of crafting a real-time thriller within a single-location setting. From influences in filmmaking to the emotions they hope to evoke, this conversation offers an insightful look into the creative process behind Lifeline.
What inspired you to want to take on a project/script like Lifeline?
It was a long journey. I read over 1,000 treatments and 100 scripts searching for a story that truly resonated with me. Lifeline stood out because of its originality, tension, and emotional depth—it had a distinct voice that I couldn’t ignore. From there, I collaborated closely with Brady to refine the script, shaping it into something cinematic, gripping, and ready for production.
How did you approach the complex character of Steven Thomas, portrayed by Josh Stewart, to ensure authenticity in his emotional journey?
Brady and I spent months refining the script, breaking the story down to its core and rebuilding it to ensure every emotional beat felt earned. We wanted Steven Thomas to feel raw and real, not just as a character but as a human being facing impossible decisions. Working with Josh Stewart made this process even more rewarding, he brought an incredible depth to the role, understanding Steven’s inner struggles on a fundamental level. Our goal was to make his journey not only engaging but emotionally authentic, and I believe we achieved that through careful script development and Josh’s powerful performance.
We’re there any serious directions you have to Stewart or did you let him explore and run with the character?
Working with Josh Stewart was incredibly smooth. We had several in-depth discussions during pre-production about the character’s journey and motivations. By the time we got to set, we were completely in sync. Each day, we would briefly go over Steven’s emotional state in the scene, but once cameras rolled, Josh brought the character to life effortlessly. Because of that preparation, adjustments and notes between takes were minimal.
The film involves a tense, time-sensitive plot. How did you maintain suspense and pacing throughout the story?
This was one of the biggest challenges, especially since the main storyline unfolds in real-time. The key was having a well-structured script combined with meticulous editing. We fine-tuned the pacing through multiple test screenings, making adjustments to keep the tension high while ensuring the time-sensitive nature of the story remained clear to the audience. It was all about striking a balance between urgency and clarity.
As a director, what are the main challenges you faced on this project and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was working within a tight schedule and limited resources while maintaining the high level of tension and realism the story required. Shooting in a single location had its advantages, but it also demanded creativity in blocking, lighting, and camera movement to keep scenes visually engaging. Additionally, since the story unfolds in real-time, continuity was crucial—we had to meticulously track every detail to ensure consistency. I overcame these challenges by surrounding myself with a talented and dedicated team, which allowed us to problem-solve on the fly and stay focused on telling the story effectively.
What were the reasons behind choosing the film to take place primarily in one location - an office space?
Every decision we made was in service of the story, including the choice of locations. During development, we incorporated additional locations that enhanced the narrative and visuals while still keeping the film contained due to limited resources. The primarily single-location approach not only made production feasible but also heightened the film’s claustrophobic tension, intensifying the suspense.
Are there any directors you’re inspired by that you think have an influence on your work? Maybe their use of shots or colours?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one or two directors because my influences come from a wide range of filmmakers across different styles and cultures. I admire Christopher Nolan for his ability to blend spectacle with emotional depth, David Fincher for his precision and meticulous attention to detail, and Ridley Scott for his decisiveness and world-building. And I could name many more who have influenced me in different ways. Rather than emulating any single filmmaker, I absorb various elements and apply them in a way that best serves the story I’m telling.
What emotions or thoughts do you hope audiences will leave with after watching "Lifeline"?
I want audiences to leave with a mix of intensity and introspection. On the surface, Lifeline is a tense, high-stakes thriller, but beneath that, it’s a story about resilience, moral dilemmas, and the weight of our choices. I hope viewers not only feel the suspense and urgency but also reflect on the human element—how far someone is willing to go when pushed to their limits. If people walk away still thinking about the story and its implications, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do as a filmmaker.
What projects are you working on now - what can audiences expect next from you in the future?
I’ve just completed development on a new project that I’m currently shopping around. While I can’t disclose much yet, it’s a character-driven feature film with an ensemble cast. I’m excited about it and look forward to revealing more details soon.
Read our review for Lifeline HERE
In select cinemas & on digital platforms February 21