Wildfires are a devastating reality that has far-reaching consequences, both in the United States and abroad. These destructive forces destroy property and take lives, and actor Peter Facinelli hopes that his latest film, On Fire, will provide a more personal perspective on these disasters, prompting viewers to think about how they can be mitigated. Facinelli, who stars in and co-directs the film, emphasizes that it is meant to be a thrilling experience that ultimately celebrates the bravery of those who put their lives on the line to combat wildfires. He also hopes that the film raises awareness about the increasing frequency of deadly wildfires, such as the one that devastated Lahaina in August, coinciding with Fire Prevention Month in October.
On Fire, which was released in theaters on September 29th, tells the story of a family living in a remote area of Northern California who are fighting to get to safety as a wildfire unexpectedly changes course, heading straight for their home. Facinelli plays the role of Dave Laughlin, the father of the family, and is joined by Fional Dourif as his pregnant wife, Sarah, Asher Angel as their teenage son, and Lance Henriksen as Dave’s ailing father. The film highlights the rapid speed at which wildfires can spread, catching people off guard and leaving them with little time to react. Facinelli’s character in the film makes a decision to wait and go to the hardware store, only to find that it is too late when he returns.
Distributed by Cineverse, On Fire has benefited from an interim agreement with SAG-AFTRA, which allows the cast to promote the project. Facinelli, who recently raised $30,000 for Maui fire relief on Celebrity Jeopardy, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about unexpectedly stepping up to co-direct the film, the multiple messages it conveys, and the misconceptions surrounding interim agreements.
Facinelli explains that he was drawn to the project after seeing numerous reports of wildfires in the news. He appreciated the film’s focus on one family’s harrowing experience and the opportunity it provided to shed light on the heroic efforts of first responders. Additionally, he wanted to instigate conversations about fire prevention and the ways in which individuals can protect their homes from these devastating incidents.
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The film tells a suspenseful survival story, showcasing the family’s struggle and growth as they fight for their lives amidst the tragedy of the wildfire. Facinelli mentions that the film tackles various themes, including the importance of valuing human life over material possessions. While the family loses their home during the course of the film, they come to realize that what truly matters is the safety and well-being of each other. Ultimately, the movie conveys a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding and moving forward after a disaster.
Facinelli draws from his own personal experiences as a new father while portraying his character, whose wife is pregnant in the film. He highlights the strength and resilience of his character’s wife, who remains courageous and determined throughout the ordeal. This aspect of the story resonated with Facinelli as he was able to draw parallels between the fictional situation and his own experiences with his fiancée’s pregnancy during filming. He remarks that witnessing the character’s unwavering determination was inspiring and heartwarming.
Reflecting on his time on set, Facinelli recalls the diligent efforts made to ensure the safety of cast and crew. Given the nature of the film, it was essential to prevent any risks of actually starting a fire while filming. Protective measures were taken, using flame bars and CGI effects to create the illusion of a raging wildfire. Facinelli remembers a particularly intense scene where a stunt person had to be set on fire. Despite the controlled conditions, it was a nerve-wracking experience, but fortunately, everything went smoothly. As the co-director of the film, Facinelli’s role was pivotal in ensuring the safety and success of these challenging scenes.
Unexpectedly stepping up to co-direct the film, Facinelli highlights the unique opportunity it provided him as an actor. Though he had experience in directing, producing, writing, and acting, taking on the dual role of director and lead actor was a new experience for him. The original director of the film contracted COVID-19 two weeks into production, leaving Facinelli to take the reins. With no time to overthink the situation, he realized that he was capable of fulfilling both roles effectively. In fact, he found that being in both positions simultaneously enhanced his performance, as he was more focused on the other actors and their performances rather than seeking approval as an actor.
Facinelli’s decision to re-evaluate taking jobs that would take him away from his family came after his experience in the Twilight film series. He recalls being offered a TV series role that required him to travel to Chicago, but he turned it down because he wanted to prioritize his family. This decision had a profound impact on his career, as he became more selective about the projects he took on. It allowed him to spend more time with his family while still pursuing his passion for acting and filmmaking.
In conclusion, On Fire serves as a thrilling and thought-provoking portrayal of the devastating effects of wildfires. Peter Facinelli’s involvement in the film as both actor and co-director adds a personal touch to the project, allowing him to bring his own experiences and perspectives to the table. Through its suspenseful story, the film emphasizes the bravery of first responders and prompts viewers to consider the importance of fire prevention. By shining a spotlight on the resilience and strength of a family facing a wildfire, On Fire delivers a message of hope and unity, urging audiences to come together in the face of adversity.
