Destry Spielberg didn’t set out to direct a horror film for her feature debut.
But when the script for Please Don’t Feed the Children landed in her lap, something clicked.
It wasn’t just a gripping read — it was a story she could visualize herself bringing to life, and she trusted that instinct.
The film, premiering June 27 on Tubi, is set in a post-viral America where children have outlived the adults.
It’s a tense, character-driven thriller with a cast of young actors who carry the emotional weight of the story.
Destry leaned into pre-production to help them get there, prioritizing rehearsal time and open communication.
She encouraged her cast to speak up — whether about a line that didn’t sit right or a scene that felt emotionally heavy — creating what she described as a collaborative, family-like environment on set.
There’s a visual language to the film that immediately feels familiar to fans of a certain kind of cinematic legacy, particularly in the use of light and shadow.
The early moments of the story have a whimsy and hope to them, but as the story progresses, the frame grows darker — literally and metaphorically.
Destry says those choices weren’t conscious nods to her father’s iconic filmography, but rather part of her own visual instincts as she storyboards and plans.
Still, it’s hard not to feel echoes of that legacy humming in the background.
More than anything, Destry wants to grow alongside the people she brings on set.
She’s passionate about working with emerging talent — not just actors, but department heads, creatives, and crew members who are early in their careers.
For her, it’s not just about making a movie — it’s about building something together.
You can check out the full interview with Destry below.
Please Don’t Feed the Children premieres June 27 on Tubi.
Don’t forget to grab the popcorn. We may not be feeding the children, but you’re good to go!
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