Visually stunning and psychically rending, The Blazing World is Carlson Young’s feature film debut; she writes, directs and stars without missing a step. Inspired by her 2018 Sundance short of the same name—which was in turn inspired by a recurring dream, and loosely-adapted from Margaret Cavendish’s 1666 book The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World—this latest iteration is impeccably layered and rich with symbolism.

Expect a horror-fantasy dreamscape filled with ghosts of Guillermo Del Toro, Dario Argento and David Lynch—plus a haunting score by composer Insom Innis. Young spins a universal yarn of grief, depression and reframed trauma through a supremely personal lens. Maximalist is an understatement, otherworldly splendor is a given; but whether you’re there to dissect the details or simply enjoy the ride, The Blazing World creates an unshakeable mood. I got to speak to Carlson about pandemic filmmaking, artistic collabs and exorcising personal demons.