Phoebe Dynevor Almost Got Arrested Filming This Movie!

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As a movie enthusiast, when the tension rises on screen and drama unfolds right before my eyes, I might instinctively reach for something to preserve the moment. It’s not necessarily the shoulder of the person beside me, gripped in fear, but rather my trusty iPhone, tucked away in my pocket or bag. This device becomes a tool to immortalize the unpredictable events transpiring on-screen, turning real life into reel life. However, it’s crucial to be cautious – filming discreetly can lead to unwanted attention, potentially leading to undesirable outcomes.

This clandestine thrill is exactly what drives the latest release from IFC Films, Inheritance, directed by Neil Burger (The Upside, Divergent).

Featuring Phoebe Dynevor, famously known for her role in Bridgerton, this movie, Inheritance, offers an unprecedented portrayal of her. Unlike traditional films, it was entirely filmed using iPhones. However, let’s not be misled by that fact. This expansive international spy thriller will keep you hooked from the very first scene to the last. MovieWeb recently had a chat with director Neil Burger and learned some fascinating details. It turns out Dynevor almost got arrested during the covert filming. Given the stealthy nature of Burger’s iPhone-shot film, the New York City scenes in the movie’s opening are remarkably authentic, particularly when Dynevor is seen casually drinking a large bottle of alcohol on a street corner while in character.

Phoebe and the cameraman were the ones filming, with no phone stabilizer or equipment of any kind. Essentially, it was handheld shooting, giving a casual, friendly feel,” explained Burger about such setups. “I would be approximately 10 feet away, watching the transmission on an iPad. This allowed me to see what was happening. The sound technician was around 25 feet back, carrying the recorder in his bag. There were no boom microphones or lights used. The assistant director was elsewhere, and everyone else was off to one side.” He went on:

I’d consistently advised Phoebe to maintain her character, regardless of circumstances. If someone accidentally collides with her or talks to her for directions, she should continue portraying her character. In the beginning of the film, her character is deeply self-destructive, troubled, and lost. She’s seen drinking on the streets, attempting to erase herself from reality.

Burger went on to say, “We were on Eighth Avenue and it appeared that she was acting strangely,” he added. “Passersby were giving her a wide berth because she seemed disturbed. Then, I glanced at my iPad and saw three of the largest New York City police officers I’ve ever seen approaching her. They asked her what she was up to, and remarkably, she continued with her act, as I had instructed.

“She was like, ‘What does it look like I’m doing?’

The cops said, ‘It looks like you’re drinking.’

‘Yeah, I’m drinking tequila. Do you want some?’

And they’re like, ‘No.’ They’re like, ‘What are you drinking tequila for?'”

She said, “It’s because I prefer tequila.” She persisted, and they asked for ID. She responded that she didn’t have any, but eventually, I intervened and explained, “This isn’t a real bottle of tequila, we’re filming a movie, and she’s an actress.” They wondered why she hadn’t said so earlier, to which I replied, “Because she was sticking to her character!” This level of dedication undeniably enhances her portrayal in Inheritance, arguably her finest performance.

Why ‘Inheritance’ Is Filmed on an iPhone

For Burger, using the iPhone to film wasn’t just about convenience; it had a thematic relevance. He explained, “It had a ‘stolen’ aesthetic, which I believe fits Phoebe’s character perfectly, as she is a thief. Her kleptomania isn’t just a character trait; it’s also about access. We didn’t choose the iPhone as a novelty or replacement for a professional camera. Instead, we used it so that we could move undetected through crowded markets in Cairo.” Burger further noted:

I was curious about how life had changed around the globe, particularly after COVID, so I wished to observe the ‘new normal’ in places like Egypt and India. I didn’t want my presence with a large film crew to interfere or draw attention, so I aimed to travel incognito, taking a peek at the world unnoticed.

Burger remarked, “Indeed, it’s worth noting that other films have been made using iPhones. However, what sets our movie, Inheritance, apart is its status as the initial international thriller filmed in this manner, spanning various continents and boasting a large-scale narrative. Despite being shot on a more personal device, it carries the pulse-pounding tension typical of international thrillers.” The film, Inheritance, is slated for release in theaters on Jan. 24, 2025.

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2025-01-23 00:31