Introduction
In the new thriller, Trust, after a scandal, a Hollywood starlet (Game of Thrones‘ Sophie Turner) retreats to a remote cabin—but she’s not alone. Betrayed by the man she trusted most, she’s trapped in a brutal game of survival. She can hide, but she can’t run.
Interview
Cinema Scholars’ own Glen Dower recently interviewed director Carlson Young about her new thriller, Trust, starring Sophie Turner, Billy Campbell, and Katey Sagal. The film was released in theaters on August 22, 2025, and is being distributed by Republic Pictures.
Lightly edited for content and clarity.
Glen Dower:
Carlson Young, how are you, ma’am?
Carlson Young:
Really well, thank you. How are you, Glen?
Glen Dower:
I’m excellent, thank you. Now, we’re going to talk about Trust: “A Hollywood actress hides in a remote cabin…” Let’s pause right there — “a remote cabin.” The four words we don’t want to be involved with as sane people: A cabin in the woods! But where would we be in this movie without it? How involved were you in finding that location? Because it’s perfect — and horrific, as a nightmarish setting.
Carlson Young:
It is a character in the movie. And yes, I had everything to do with selecting it. We were shooting in Mexico City, and that house was actually about 45 minutes outside the city, in the Jusco Mountains. It just had a vibe, so we went with it.
Glen Dower:
And you definitely captured that vibe. Let’s talk about the main character — as played by Sophie Turner. What I love about Sophie is that she’s been part of two huge franchises — Game of Thrones, of course, and X-Men. In Game of Thrones, in particular, she grew up before our eyes. By the end of the series, she could convey so much through her expressions and physicality. You really played into that. And it’s a physical role — she had to hide, dive, run — but there’s also a lot of restraint and subtlety, especially at the beginning of the story. Did you bring that out of her? You must have had plenty of one-on-one time to help discover the character.
Carlson Young:
Sophie is a phenomenally versatile actor! I had such a good, creative experience working with her because she can shift between emotional energies so easily. She’s a real force. It was incredibly exciting to find the character together. If anyone ever underestimated her abilities, I think this film changes that.
Glen Dower:
And coming off those two massive franchises, I’m guessing she might be looking for smaller, intimate roles where she can explore more. Did she discuss that with you?
Carlson Young:
We didn’t discuss that directly, but we did talk a lot about how we both felt this project — and this character — was meant to be. It felt like exactly the right time to tell this story, for many reasons. Culturally, I think it’s a story about a young actress reclaiming her power, and it was amazing to create and craft that with her.
Glen Dower:
Of course, you also have a TV actor background — I was a fan of yours from the Scream: The Series — so you could relate to her journey from television into larger-scale projects.
Carlson Young:
Absolutely. I could empathize with and relate to every part of the character’s journey. I started on a TV show at 15, so I understood it from every angle.
Glen Dower:
And from the directing standpoint, you worked with the producers of Saw, which is very exciting! Did they have much input, or did you have creative freedom?
Carlson Young:
I loved working with them. They gave me a lot of creative freedom. We knew we were making a contained survival thriller, but I never felt pressure to add gore or a jump scare. In fact, we actively tried to avoid it — the challenge was telling the story without relying on those elements. They were great creative partners.
Glen Dower:
As I touched on before, you put Sophie through a lot in the movie — she’s underwater, she’s on the run, bloodied and bruised, fighting. Even the poster shows she’s been through the wringer. Did she ever push herself so hard that you had to rein her in?
Carlson Young:
We were working in very physical and emotional spaces, but Sophie is a dream to direct. She always gives options. In the edit, it was such a rich experience because she never went too far — she always gave me a range of performances to work with.
Glen Dower:
Let’s talk about your directing journey. Did you fight for this movie, or was it offered to you?
Carlson Young:
I was still editing Upgraded, a romantic comedy I directed, when this script came across my desk. I immediately connected to the character and loved the story. When I met Sophie for the role of Lauren, everything clicked, and I knew I wanted to pursue it.
Glen Dower:
And looking back, is there a particular shot or sequence that you feel really nailed it?
Carlson Young:
I love how the film ends. Without giving away spoilers, the moment when all the pieces come together feels really satisfying to me. I worked hard on the script and edits to make sure everything connects for those who want to see it.
Glen Dower:
I have to mention another cast member — Katey Sagal. When I saw her name, I was so excited, but I thought it must be a typo! Older readers know her from the famous sitcom ‘Married With Children’; younger readers know her as the voice of Leela from Futurama. I love her as Jake’s mom in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. How did she get involved?
Carlson Young:
Oh, she was an inspired choice. When her name came up for Loretta, I knew she would absolutely get it — and bring the levity and humor we needed in the third act. I was thrilled to have her. She’s one of my favorite parts of the movie.
Glen Dower:
Same here. And finally, Ms. Young, the floor is yours. Why should people see Sophie Turner in Trust?
Carlson Young:
If you like to feel uncomfortable and stressed — but also excited — this is for you. We worked hard to make sure the film has something to say. It’s kind of like taking your medicine in a fun way.
Glen Dower:
I love that. It was a thrill — Sophie Turner in a very different role, Katey Sagal as the cherry on top. Chef’s kiss. Thank you for your time, Ms. Young, and best of luck with the release.
Carlson Young:
Chef’s kiss indeed. Thank you, Glen!
TRUST, from Republic Pictures, is now playing in theaters nationwide.
