Collider's Perri Nemiroff recently moderated an exclusive Q&A session with director Adam Davidson and stars Ryan Phillippe and C. Thomas Howell, delving into the behind-the-scenes creation of the gritty action-thriller, "One Mile: Chapter One," and its sequel. The discussion highlighted their unique "guerrilla-style" filmmaking approach, the physical demands placed on the actors, the development of grounded antagonists, and the standout performance of Amélie Hoeferle. Davidson, known for his work on acclaimed TV series like "Community," "Six Feet Under," and "Parenthood," made a return to feature films with this project, opting for an ambitious back-to-back production of two movies under tight budget and time constraints.

Adam Davidson shared that his return to film was driven by both a long-standing desire for resonant material and the timely arrival of the "One Mile" script. While appreciating the genre exploration offered by television, he was particularly drawn to "One Mile" for its action-thriller elements—tension, jump scares—combined with a deeply emotional father-daughter story. As a father of three daughters himself, this core theme resonated strongly with him, underscoring his belief that emotional engagement elevates the storytelling experience. He also acknowledged how his diverse TV experiences, from "Six Feet Under" to "Deadwood" and "Community," informed his "boots-on-the-ground, guerrilla-style filmmaking" for "One Mile," utilizing "every trick imaginable."

Ryan Phillippe, who not only stars as Danny, an ex-special forces operative, but also served as a producer from the ground up, helped shape the script through various drafts. His comfort in the action genre, honed by previous roles like Bob Lee Swagger in "Shooter," made him a natural fit for Danny. Phillippe, also a father of two daughters, connected with the film's central theme of a father trying to reconnect with his child amidst unforeseen dangers. He detailed his intense physical training for the role, drawing on a rich family military history and extensive martial arts background. This dedication ensured an authentic portrayal of an enlisted man, with Phillippe performing most of his own stunts and even helping choreograph fight scenes, aiming for realism that would resonate with actual military personnel.

C. Thomas Howell discussed his approach to playing Stanley, the leader of an off-grid community and the film's antagonist, striving to avoid a one-dimensional villain portrayal. He recounted a pivotal lesson from Rutger Hauer during the filming of "The Hitcher," where Hauer stated, "I don't play bad guys." This insight inspired Howell to infuse Stanley with layers of empathy and pain, rather than just anger or fear. Stanley, a broken character responsible for his off-grid village, has "more layers" and is "more complicated and more fun to play." Howell highlighted a scene where Stanley expresses empathy towards Alex, attempting to persuade her into his community's lifestyle, as indicative of his nuanced portrayal, driven by the character's care for his people and the importance of holding their survival together.

The casting of Amélie Hoeferle as Alex, Danny's daughter, was a pivotal moment in production. After reviewing numerous talented actors, Davidson and Phillippe felt Hoeferle possessed the unique qualities needed for the role. Davidson recounted a "last-minute Hail Mary" Zoom audition with Hoeferle, who was in Germany, and her immediate impression on both of them, especially after Davidson read with her and observed her authentic reactions. Phillippe agreed instantly, noting her ability to embody the "angsty, burgeoning artist" while also showcasing her father's fighting spirit and agency, deliberately avoiding the "damsel in distress" stereotype. Howell praised Hoeferle's incredible work ethic, enduring physically demanding circumstances like being pulled by her hair or climbing out of freezing water without complaint, further cementing her "grounded and truthful" performance. Notably, Hoeferle, an art school student, contributed her own artwork to the film, a detail discovered serendipitously during production.

The production faced numerous challenges, amplified by the decision to shoot two movies concurrently. Phillippe candidly spoke about the physical toll, with minor injuries and constant discomfort from repeating intense actions. The non-sequential shooting schedule, jumping between scenes for Chapter One and Chapter Two on the same day, created logistical complexities for the actors. Davidson emphasized the daily struggle to make the production schedule, given the "ambitious" nature of shooting two films simultaneously with limited resources. Weather delays, particularly rain and lightning on Vancouver Island, further compounded these issues, leading to lost production hours and muddy conditions, yet the team managed to create a visually convincing environment without a large special effects budget.

The "guerrilla-style" filmmaking necessitated constant adaptation and on-the-fly creativity. Howell recalled scenes intended for the second movie ending up in the first, and unscripted moments, like Stanley's final reveal at the school, becoming some of the most impactful. Davidson highlighted how locations, like a found waterfall or an old mill on Vancouver Island, directly influenced plot developments, with the waterfall jump being integrated into the story after Mike Lohmann discovered it. This adaptability allowed the filmmakers to depict Danny not just as a skilled fighter but as an intelligent operative who uses his mind and environment to overcome numerical disadvantages, making the location a crucial part of the storytelling.

The success of "One Mile" was attributed to the dedication of its "A-plus team," fostering a "filmmaking family" atmosphere, particularly given their remote location on Vancouver Island. C. Thomas Howell praised cinematographer Alwyn Kumst for his work with limited equipment in challenging environments, while Ryan Phillippe lauded the stunt team for their ability to choreograph complex sequences with very little notice due to on-set changes, a remarkable feat without the luxury of months of prior training. Davidson also acknowledged costume designer Carol Case for her skill in creating authentic, non-costume-like attire for the off-grid community, depicting their distinctiveness with limited resources. The collaborative spirit, with fathers and sons, brothers and sisters, and husbands and wives working together, underscored the collective effort that brought these ambitious films to fruition. Both "One Mile: Chapter One" and "One Mile: Chapter Two" are now available for digital rent or purchase.