In the daring directorial debut MIMICS, hitting theaters nationwide on February 13, Kristoffer Polaha steps behind and in front of the camera to deliver a genre-bending blend of fun, fright, and romance. The film follows struggling impressionist Sam Reinhold (played by Polaha himself), whose desperate pact with a wicked, strings-attached puppet named Fergus promises stardom—but at a terrifying cost that threatens those he loves most.
Polaha, known for his roles in projects like Wonder Woman 1984 and Jurassic World: Dominion, conceived this unique story as a modern fable exploring ambition, the supernatural, and the hidden prices we pay for success. Joining him is veteran actor Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, Memento), who plays Melvin Reinhold, bringing depth and heart to a role that balances warmth with heartbreak.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Polaha and Tobolowsky opened up about the making of MIMICS, their on-screen chemistry, and the deeper themes that resonate in today’s world.
Polaha recalled the pivotal moment Tobolowsky signed on: “I was sitting in the Director’s Guild Theater in Beverly Hills… he started talking about Faust and Hammer and Virginia… He jumped into a level of awareness on what we were aiming for instantly.” The two shared an immediate rapport that shines through on screen. “When you see us sit there together on the couch… you really like these two characters and you really like them together,” Polaha said. “Which makes the movie even harder to watch because of what happens.”
Tobolowsky praised the script as “an excellent fable for a problem that we all face all the time: What are we willing to pay for? What are we going to give up?” He was equally impressed by Polaha’s hidden talent. “I had no idea Christopher could do these voices… This guy is a world-class ventriloquist,” Tobolowsky marveled, comparing Polaha’s impressions to Stanislavski’s principle of grounding scenes in real action—like “drinking tea while talking about The Cherry Orchard.”
The conversation turned personal as both reflected on pursuing dreams without shortcuts. Polaha, who dreamed of directing since age 17, shared: “If you think you’re worth betting on, bet on yourself… dreams do come true.” He cautioned against tempting “closed doors deals” that promise quick riches—echoing the film’s central warning.
Tobolowsky advised aspiring actors to immerse themselves in great plays: “Read Chekhov… Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams… These are footnotes to our lives… something is alive here from another age.” He emphasized expanding the mind, heart, and soul through timeless storytelling.
Salfen connected the film’s themes to contemporary culture, noting how rapid content consumption drowns out meaningful “footnotes” from singular creators. Polaha tied it to his own experiences with sleep paralysis and a profound spiritual encounter, explaining his intent: “I wanted there to be a movie that showed the power of that name [Jesus] within a dark realm… You have to show the malady to show the medicine.” He described MIMICS as both highly entertaining and a “road sign” to beware of dark paths one can stumble into unknowingly.
Tobolowsky shared a moving personal story from his triple bypass surgery, realizing life’s preciousness: “Instead of being scared, I thanked God… for the ability to have known my wife and my children… It’s all precious.”
MIMICS—produced by Ken Carpenter and filmed in Reno—stars Polaha alongside Mōriah, Chris Parnell, Jesse Hutch, Jason Marsden, Austin Basis, and more. It’s a thrilling mix of horror, comedy, and romance that asks big questions while delivering laughs and chills.
Don’t miss this bold debut. Catch MIMICS in theaters February 13—perfect for a date night that might leave you looking over your shoulder… and reflecting on what truly matters.
For tickets and more, visit the official site or your local theater.
