By Paul Salfen
In the heart of Hollywood’s glittering chaos, where scandals can shatter careers overnight, director Carlson Young has carved out a niche for herself as a storyteller unafraid to dive into the shadows. Her latest film, Trust, takes audiences on a pulse-pounding journey with a Hollywood starlet who flees to a remote cabin seeking solace after a devastating scandal. But isolation turns to terror when she realizes she’s not alone—betrayed by the one man she thought she could rely on, she’s thrust into a savage game of survival. It’s a film that grips you from the first frame, blending edge-of-your-seat suspense with deeper undercurrents of trust, vulnerability, and resilience.
I caught up with Young during a lively chat at the Dallas International Film Festival, where the energy was electric and the Texas roots ran deep. I’ve interviewed countless filmmakers, but Young’s enthusiasm for Trust was infectious. “I’m so excited to get this out there in the world,” she beamed, her eyes lighting up as we dove into the making of this creative challenge. “It was a really fun one. I love the movie and loved working with the whole team.”
Filming Trust wasn’t a walk in the park—far from it. Set against the eerie backdrop of a secluded cabin, the production demanded ingenuity to capture the film’s tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Young leaned into the obstacles, turning them into triumphs. “It was a challenge, and I do love a creative challenge,” she admitted. “The deeper we got into the project, the more things kind of answered themselves. Questions that needed answers started to reveal themselves. That’s one of the most fun processes of filmmaking.”
At the center of this thriller is Sophia Ali, whose portrayal of the beleaguered starlet is nothing short of mesmerizing. Young didn’t hesitate when asked how she knew Ali was the perfect fit. “She’s the coolest. She’s such a badass,” Young gushed. “We Zoomed, and there was just something in her eyes—she’s so brave and fearless. She had such a good handle on the material, and we had great creative chemistry. It was a no-brainer.” Their collaboration yielded countless “wow” moments on set. “There were so many moments like that with her,” Young recalled. “I’m not even being hyperbolic—she’s such a real one.”
Trust marks a bold departure from Young’s previous directorial efforts, showcasing her versatility behind the camera after years of captivating audiences in front of it. From her breakout roles in shows like Scream to her directorial debut with The Blazing World, Young’s evolution is a testament to her fearless spirit. But she’s not one to rest on laurels. “Probably something totally different next,” she teased with a laugh. And she’s not kidding—Young revealed she’s diving into new waters with a romance project starting production just days after our conversation. “We start shooting on Monday. It’s a romance and whatnot. New waters for sure.”
Transitioning from actress to director isn’t easy, but Young’s advice for aspiring storytellers is refreshingly grounded. “There’s no one path to Rome,” she said wisely. “It was important for me to embrace my own story and my own uniqueness. Everybody’s entry point is so unique, and that’s what makes your path really special. Don’t try to follow in other people’s footsteps—do your own thing. That’s where the magic is.”
When I brought up Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson and his iconic Hail Mary catch—fitting for our Texas setting—Young chuckled at the metaphor for those make-or-break career moments. “My whole career has been like one big Hail Mary,” she confessed. “You have to put your money where your mouth is. Believe in yourself so much that you’ll leverage everything for it.” It’s a mindset that keeps her grounded amid the industry’s highs and lows…I try to look for signs—just little winks from the universe that you’re on the right path.”
The film’s soundtrack adds another layer of intensity, a collaboration that hits close to home for Young. “Great music, right?” I prompted, and she smiled. “Thank you. I’ll pass that along.” Working with her team, including those behind the score, has been “creatively rewarding,” especially sharing the spotlight at festivals like DIFF.
Beyond the thrills, Trust packs a punch with its thematic depth. On the surface, it’s a survival thriller, but Young hopes it sparks deeper reflection. “There’s a lot more than meets the eye,” she explained. “There’s a deeper current swimming and baked into the material. I hope it makes people think.”
Life off-screen is equally dynamic for Young. Just nine weeks postpartum, she’s balancing motherhood with her directing ambitions—a new “project” that’s already stealing her heart. “I just had a baby. She’s so beautiful and perfect, and I love her,” she shared warmly. “Motherhood is the new experience. I have a nine-week-old baby and I’m shooting a movie on Monday. Super mom!” It’s a reminder that even amid betrayal and survival on screen, real life offers its own triumphs.
As Trust hits theaters and streaming platforms, Young’s story is one of trusting your gut, embracing challenges, and evolving without apology. Whether it’s outrunning danger in a remote cabin or navigating Hollywood’s twists, Young’s message is clear: Bet on yourself. And with her track record, we’d trust her vision any day. Catch Trust now—it’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss.
