CONTINUE Trailer (2024) Nadine Crocker, Emily Deschanel

CONTINUE Trailer (2024) Nadine Crocker, Emily Deschanel

CONTINUE Trailer (2024) Nadine Crocker, Emily Deschanel, Shiloh Fernandez, Lio Tipton
© 2024 - Lionsgate
"Whereever you go, I go." Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer for an indie mental health drama titled Continue, marking the feature directorial debut of the American actress Nadine Crocker. Even though that title sounds like it might be something sci-fi, this is pure drama through and through. Written & directed by & starring Nadine Crocker, she finished this film and premiered it back in 2022 at Cinequest that year, it's just only now finally getting released. A girl suffering from depression is forced to get her life together when she is taken involuntarily to a mental institution after trying to follow in her father's footsteps, but failing in her suicide attempt. She finds unlikely friends, unwavering love, and a life she never imagined possible. All to find out some decisions can't be undone. You only get one life. Starring Nadine Crocker and Shiloh Fernandez, with Lio Tipton, Kat Foster, Annapurna Sriram, Anthony Caravella, Kat Foster, Jay Seals, Dale Dickey, Emily Deschanel, and Allison Paige. A powerful story about striving for survival.

Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Nadine Crocker's film Continue, direct from YouTube:

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted.

Continue Poster

"Every face hides a story." Writer-director-star Nadine Crocker's tour-de-force of confessional filmmaking dissects mental health struggles with the raw authenticity of a true survivor. Convinced she’s fated to walk the same troubled path as her father, Dean (Nadine Crocker) suffers a major mental health episode and is committed to a rehabilitation facility. Once confined, Dean shudders through the agonies of recovery, and bravely comes out the other side armed with a defense against the darkness, summed up in one word: Continue. Continue is both written and directed by American actress / filmmaker Nadine Crocker, who made her feature directorial debut with this movie first, before going on to make Desperation Road after. Produced by Anthony Caravella, Nadine Crocker, Jay Seals. This initially premiered at the 2022 Cinequest Film Festival a few years ago, but hasn't been given a proper release until now. Lionsgate will debut Nadine Crocker's Continue film in select US theaters + on VOD starting September 6th, 2024. Want to watch?
'Continue' portrays the raw reality of battling depression and the importance of forging connections for healing.
Writer/director Nadine Crocker shaped the film to inspire hope and to destigmatize mental health struggles.
The film's authenticity was maintained through careful consideration of triggering content and professional consultation.
From writer/director/producer Nadine Crocker, who also stars in the film, Continue follows Dean (Crocker), a woman suffering from a mental health episode that has led to her being committed to a rehabilitation facility to help put her on the path to recovery. While there, Dean forms important friendships with other patients and a deep connection with a psychiatrist (Emily Deschanel) struggling with her own grief.

The story is inspired by Crocker’s own life as the survivor of a suicide attempt, leading to a raw portrayal of what it’s like to battle depression, but still want to continue pushing forward. Collider recently got the opportunity to chat with Crocker and Deschanel about exploring such delicate and triggering material, and how they hope Continue will help others who might be having mental health struggles of their own or that know someone who is. During the interview, they talked about intentionally making Dean’s story a bit different from Crocker’s to give her some emotional distance during the shoot, creating a safe space on set, not wanting to pull any punches with the material, and their experience working together. Crocker also talked about what she’s focused on doing next, while Deschanel shared whether she’d ever be game to do a Bones revival.

Writer/Director Nadine Crocker Found the 'Continue' Set To Be a Safe Space
Collider: Nadine, the first thing I wondered when I watched this was, what did you do specifically to make sure you felt safe and protected during this shoot? Because I can’t imagine surviving, and then having to live through it again.

NADINE CROCKER: I know. Truthfully, I made some of Dean’s story specifically different from my own story, so that no one follows in my footsteps with some of the mistakes I made and so that it did feel like I wasn’t playing myself, but more taking on a character. Really, it was the support I had around me. It was people like Emily [Deschanel], my entire crew and all of my cast, and my husband who is my producing partner, and our friend Jay. I think the reason I wasn’t afraid is because I knew that I was surrounded by people who loved me and cared about the cause and what we were doing, and they wouldn’t let me get lost. Because of that, I felt really safe to take on that journey. But I also think so much of the journey, I would just try to turn my attention outward to who I hoped it would help. I find that with things in our lives, when we’re doing them for someone else, they go from being exhausting to empowering. You at least feel like you’re doing something to help you be of service. So, it was multiple things, but it was that, in particular.

Because you were the writer, director, producer, and lead actor, I was curious whether there was a person who was ever just like, “You need to go take a minute.”

CROKER: Literally everyone. My producers would be like, “Can we not do another take of that?” And I was like, “I’m fine guys.” But I had an army around me that was very protective.

Emily Deschanel in Continue
Related
'Bones' Star Emily Deschanel Is a Guiding Light in First 'Continue' Trailer [Exclusive]
The movie also stars Nadine Crocker and Shiloh Fernandez.

1
It seems like telling a story like this might be easier to do in book form because you can get insight into someone’s inner dialogue and thoughts in a way that you can’t in a film. How challenging was it to convey those inner feelings and emotions in a way that felt authentic?

CROCKER: There are multiple things that come to mind. The first script was basically a book. I had never written a script before, and it was 164 pages. Apparently, I thought Continue would be a trilogy. I was like, “Hey, if you thought it was hard to watch one, let me give you three.” I just didn’t pull any punches. I thought, “If I can be as real and as raw as humanly possible, and be really brave to put it out, most of the time, people can feel that and connect with that.” It was definitely scary and there were definitely times where I was like, “Maybe we should not be so raw.” But again, I kept turning the focus to who I hoped it would help. And so, if it meant putting some of my pain out there and being really real, in order to start the conversation and make sure someone else felt safe and free to do that, I was like, “All right, fine. I’ll be the first to do it.”

Emily Deschanel Was Impressed With the 'Continue' Script She Received From Nadine Crocker
Emily Deschanel as a psychiatrist named Janet looking concerned in Continue Image via Lionsgate
Emily, what was your first exposure to this story? Did you read the script cold? Did you have a conversation with Nadine Crocker about it?

EMILY DESCHANEL: I got the script, and there was a beautiful letter from Nadine attached to the script, so I got introduced to her a little bit. I read the script before I ever spoke to her or met her, and I was just blown away and so moved by what she was doing in the story. Maybe her first version was a tome, but the script that I got and what we filmed was such a thoughtful, smart, beautiful script. When I read it, I was like, “I have to do this.” And then, I got to talk to Nadine on the phone, and she just seemed like such a phenomenal person. What she’s doing with this film, helping people and putting this raw portrayal out there, is helpful, so that people can see and understand that people struggle with mental health, substance addiction, etc. So, I spoke with her, and I just had to do it. That was my introduction, but I was blown away immediately.

1:56
Emily Deschanel as Temperance
Related
David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel's Impact on 'Bones' Is Bigger Than You Think
'Bones' wouldn't have been the same without these two.

The dynamic between your characters is so interesting. What was it like for the two of you to find that together, especially in some of the more intense moments?

DESCHANEL: I was there for a much smaller amount of time than Nadine was, obviously, directing and starring in every single moment of this film. It’s so incredible what she did, and was able to do, on screen and off. She’d film a scene, and then look at what they filmed and make adjustments between the camera and her performance and other actors’ performances. What she was doing on all cylinders was insane. But in terms of our relationship and just feeling comfortable, you just feel that. On the phone call with her, I immediately just felt comfortable with her, to open up in that way and to be raw with her. It was just an intuitive, automatic feeling that you don’t feel on a lot of sets. That was unique. Sometimes you feel that, and sometimes you don’t. I felt very safe and very protected. I loved building that relationship where some lines were crossed, a little bit, with a mental health provider and a patient, that needed to be crossed in the story. It’s not just a typical psychiatrist who’s keeping their distance. She’s doing that at first, but you can see that there’s compassion there. And then, Dean comes to her house and there is that whole scene where things break down. It was interesting to take that journey, but I can’t say why I felt all that, besides the fact that Nadine was there creating that feeling.

CROCKER: I’ve never raved about Emily while Emily was on [Zoom] with me, but the truth is that Emily is one of the warmest people I’ve met. From the second we had our first phone call, it wasn’t like we were strangers. It really did feel like there was a deep friendship immediately. She was telling me things about herself and her life, and I was telling her a lot about my life. There really was an instant connection and safety, and all those things. It was one of those moments where you’re like, “Thank you, intuition. I knew she was my person.” But then, it’s a totally different level when you get to set and you’re in the thick of it, and there’s not enough hours in the day or enough sunlight, or whatever the problem is on that given day. Because of the safety I felt with Emily, and the warmth and support you feel every moment that you’re around her, it definitely disarmed me and helped a lot to be present. At that point, we were just playing. We were there for each other, and we experimented and played. It was like a master class. I learned so much from just being across from her. It looks so effortless when she works and creates.

As an actor, when you have someone so incredible across from you, and when she got emotional, I was a crying mess. It’s not really acting, at that point. You’re feeling it, you’re experiencing it, you’re in it, and you’re present. That’s why I’ve always loved acting. When it’s done well and you do it right, it’s the most alive, present moments that you share with a person. Our set really did have a family dynamic. Everyone always uses that word to describe it because there was a closeness on the set that I’d never experienced on another set, and I heard from a lot of people that they’d never really experienced it either. I think it was because we were all there with the common goal of creating something that would help and were joining together on the same mission. It’s not like Emily was like, “Yeah, I’m here, but it’s Nadine’s mission.” It became Emily’s mission too. She supported me. Of everyone that I worked with, and we’re all friends and it’s amazing, Emily checks in on me a lot and asks how my family is. That, to me, has meant more than I’ve ever told [her]. It’s meant so much to me. It was just an instant connection. Sometimes the universe really does just give you your people, and the exact right actor for the right project. I’ve always believed that, but especially after Continue, there’s no way to look at it any other way.

Nadine, obviously this subject matter is triggering. Because of that, how did you want to approach shooting the actual suicide attempt and how graphic it would end up being? Was that something you had a very clear visual in mind for? Did that develop during the editing of it? What was your thought process for what you wanted to show?

CROCKER: A lot of the process came because I didn’t want to pull punches. I didn’t want to make another Hollywood movie where the pretty girl gets everything in the end. Someone who’s struggling isn’t gonna see themselves in that. I also didn’t wanna pull punches and make it a polished version of depression or suicidal ideation because I think that would actually make anyone who’s struggling feel worse. I know that when you see those really polished versions, for me personally, it’s like, “Wow, that’s not what it looks like for me, so maybe something really is wrong with me.” That’s the worst part. That’s why I made this film, so people know that there’s nothing wrong with them.

There are so many of us that struggle. This is a really real thing that a lot of people deal with. I didn’t wanna pull any punches. That being said, I think I have a responsibility to pull punches in the way that is safe for other people to ingest our projects and our films. There are people with mental health projects that have come before me that made mistakes, and I didn’t wanna make those same mistakes. I had a psychiatrist and psychologist read the script numerous times before I made it to make sure I wasn’t making any mistakes that I couldn’t take back. And then, even when I finished the film, I had numerous psychologists and psychiatrists look at the film and asked, “Is there anything that could be misconstrued in any way, for someone to think anything other than I want them to be here tomorrow?”

That was very important to me. I didn’t quite understand, when I was first gearing up to make this movie, about method and how important it is to not dive too deeply into method. I don’t want to give them the tools to make a choice that I’m asking them not to make, so we have a responsibility of how we approach that method. That’s why I chose to show blood, but to not show the act of it. Even with the arms, there is one quick flash where you see her arms, and I didn’t wanna pull punches, but you have to make really, really hard decisions. There was a moment where I showed more graphic images of her father. What I wanted people to understand is those are images that never, ever go away. There is a consequence that you are putting on that other person that will be with them forever. But I also didn’t want anyone to be triggered while watching this because I’m hoping that people who have been through this can watch this and feel something and feel moved and it will help, so I have a responsibility to them, as well. It was constantly evolving. I was also learning. I paid the money to open the cut to take out a shot of her father that I didn’t think belonged there, as an evolved filmmaker who, years later, found a home. I was like, “No, I’m making this choice. I changed my mind, and it’s okay to do that.” I did always want to not pull punches, but the moment of her on the bathroom floor was an evolving lesson, to realize how much I wanted to lean into that and break some rules. There are some guidelines, and I would review the guidelines, so if I was choosing to break a rule, I knew that I was choosing to do that. It took a lot of tough decisions. Other people were like, “It’s fine,” but I was like, “No.” If my heart and my intuition is saying that shot should go, I owe it to myself to listen to that instinct.

Nadine, where do you go from here? Do you want to write, direct, and star in a comedy now?

CROKER: It’s really funny, I always say that, on my way to my passion, which is acting, I found my purpose. I really do feel like one of my purposes on this planet is to write and direct, and to create projects about important subject matter that makes an impact. I’m really, really proud to say that I have three projects casting as we speak, and I’m in negotiations for a couple others. I have a lot of beauty that I just feel so incredibly lucky to have unfolding, and almost all those projects are impact projects. I have a level of charity attached to every film that I’m in the works with right now, even films that didn’t come to me with that impact plan. I was like, “If I’m gonna come onto this, I think we need to find a like-minded charity for part of the proceeds to go to,” because I’m trying to really create a movement in our industry, so that we can do more than just say something with our films. What if we could actually change the world and change lives with our films?

And all that is to say that none of them are funny. I need to just go do a comedy. You write what you know. I’ve been through these different things, and I just feel like part of my purpose on the planet is to speak to all those things. There are so many other subjects, just like mental health, that we don’t talk about enough. What’s really funny is that, if you know me as a human being, I’m really goofy. I’m not as serious as people think when you see my movies. Romantic comedies are actually my blanket at the end of the night. The movies I watch on a regular basis are fun, beautiful, happy films, and then I’m like, “I’m gonna go create one. Let’s cry.” But I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna be like, “All right, the next movie is a comedy, and it’s in Italy.” I’m manifesting it. Wait, what am I talking about? I’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives. Okay, we’re doing that.

Emily Deschanel Is Open to the Possibility of Revisiting 'Bones' Someday
Emily Deschanel as Brennan and David Boreanaz as Booth standing next to each other in BonesImage via Fox
Emily, I recently spoke to David Boreanaz and we talked about how, with so many various revivals happening, it’s not surprising that Bones has been mentioned once or twice in that conversation. He said that he could see the possibility in something like that because he would find it fun to see where Booth and Brennan are now. Is that something that you would be open to? Would you want to see where those characters are at?

DESCHANEL: I saw that, and I was surprised that he said that he’d be open to it because he’s always said he’s not open to it. I never really thought that would happen, just because he wouldn’t be interested. I mean, sure, I’m open to things. I don’t know if that makes sense, but I never say never.

CROCKER: Well, I vote that they do it and let them know that I’ll direct some episodes. I’m obsessed, so I would love to see that happen.

DESCHANEL: That would be awesome.

continue-2024-poster.jpg
Continue (2024)
R
After a failed suicide attempt, a young woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution, where she confronts her inner demons and discovers unexpected friendships. As she begins to heal, she grapples with whether to embrace a new life of hope or follow the path of self-destruction.

Release Date
September 6, 2024
Director
Nadine Crocker
Cast
Nadine Crocker , Shiloh Fernandez , Lio Tipton , Kat Foster , Emily Deschanel , Dale Dickey , Anthony Caravella , Annapurna Sriram , Jay Seals
Runtime
115 Minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Writers
Nadine Crocker
Nadine Crocker's upcoming film Continue highlights the struggles of depression, suicidal ideation, and recovery.
Director Nadine Crocker crafts a deeply empathetic story drawing from personal experiences.
The film, starring Crocker, Shiloh Fernandez, and Emily Deschanel, arrives on September 6th.
Collider is thrilled to bring our readers an exclusive first look at the trailer and key art for Nadine Crocker's upcoming film, Continue. The poignant drama, featuring Crocker, Shiloh Fernandez and Emily Deschanel, is set to be released in theaters, on demand, and digital on September 6th, perfectly timed for National Suicide Prevention Month. This period is dedicated to remembering lives lost to suicide, supporting those who have faced suicidal ideation, and recognizing the profound impact on families and communities. The film has already garnered significant critical acclaim, holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It premiered at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival on August 20, 2022, and has been praised for its sensitive and insightful portrayal of mental health struggles.

Continue tells the moving story of a young woman (Crocker) struggling with depression. Following a failed suicide attempt, she is involuntarily committed to a mental institution, where she begins a journey of self-discovery. Through the film, she finds unexpected friendships, unwavering love, and a life she never thought possible. The story powerfully underscores the notion that some decisions are irreversible, reminding us of the value and fragility of life.

Director Nadine Crocker, who also wrote the screenplay, has managed to put together a film that is both intimate and universal for all audiences. Drawing from her own personal experiences and real-life stories, Crocker has crafted a deeply empathetic story that explores themes of depression and recovery with nuance and compassion. Her direction ensures that Continue is a story not just about struggle, but also about hope, healing, and resilience. As the synopsis explains:

Writer-director-star Nadine Crocker’s tour-de-force of confessional filmmaking dissects mental health struggles with the raw authenticity of a true survivor. Convinced she’s fated to walk the same troubled path as her father, Dean (Crocker) suffers a major mental health episode and is committed to a rehabilitation facility. Once confined, Dean shudders through the agonies of recovery, and bravely comes out the other side armed with a defense against the darkness, summed up in one word: Continue.

Who Stars in 'Continue'?
The poster for Continue
Shiloh Fernandez, known for his roles in We Are Your Friends, Evil Dead and Red Riding Hood, delivers a compelling performance, capturing the raw emotion and complexity of his character, while Emily Deschanel, probably best recognised for her role as Dr. Temperance Brennan on Bones, brings a compelling authenticity to the film. As we approach National Suicide Prevention Month, Continue serves as a timely and important film. It provides a thoughtful exploration of mental health, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own experiences and those of others, fostering empathy and understanding. The supporting cast of Continue includes, Lio Tipton (Crazy, Stupid Love, Warm Bodies), Kat Foster (Jean-Claude Van Johnson, Your Family or Mine), and Annapurna Sriram (Feral, Billions).

Continue will be released in theaters, on demand, and digital on September 6th. Check out the trailer below, key art above, and stay tuned to Collider for more on your favorite movies and TV shows.
In the new addiction drama "Continue," actress Nadine Crocker takes on multiple roles as writer, producer, director, and lead star. Best known for her work in the 2016 "Cabin Fever" remake and a guest appearance in CW's "Supergirl," Crocker plays Dean, a young woman grappling with devastating addiction and mental health issues. As Dean struggles to piece her life back together, she reaches a crossroads where she must confront the need for help and consider checking herself into a rehabilitation facility.

The film, which is clearly a deeply personal project for Crocker, delves into the arduous and emotional journey of someone navigating the path to recovery.

"Continue" also features supporting performances by Shiloh Fernandez ("2013's Evil Dead"), Lio Tipton ("Vengeance"), Kat Foster ("CSI: Vegas"), Annapurna Sriram ("Bonding"), and Emily Deschanel ("Bones").

"Continue" is set to hit theaters and VOD on September 6th. Be sure to check out the official trailer above.

synopsis:
Writer-director-star Nadine Crocker's tour-de-force of confessional filmmaking dissects mental health struggles with the raw authenticity of a true survivor. Convinced she's fated to walk the same troubled path as her father, Dean (Crocker) suffers a major mental health episode and is committed to a rehabilitation facility. Once confined, Dean shudders through the agonies of recovery, and bravely comes out the other side armed with a defense against the darkness, summed up in one word: Continue.

directed by Nadine Crocker

starring Nadine Crocker, Shiloh Fernandez, Lio Tipton, Kat Foster, Annapurna Sriram, Emily Deschanel

release date September 6, 2024 (in theaters and on VOD/Digital)
Lionsgate and its Grindstone Entertainment Group have acquired the indie drama Continue, extending their relationship with writer-director-actress Nadine Crocker with a deal for multiplatform domestic distribution of her latest film.

Set to screen at the Bentonville Film Festival this week as part of the fest’s mission to amplify female filmmakers and other diverse storytellers, the film will be released in theaters September 6, coinciding with suicide awareness month.

Related Stories
Maya Erskine, Michael Angarano, Michael Cera and Kristen Stewart in 'Sacramento'
Vertical Acquires Michael Angarano’s Tribeca-Bound Road Trip Comedy ‘Sacramento’
Arcane
Gkids Acquires Season 1 Of ‘League Of Nations’ Animated Spin-Off ‘Arcane’ – Annecy
In Continue, a girl suffering from depression is forced to get her life together when she is taken involuntarily to a mental institution after trying to follow in her father’s footsteps but failing in her suicide attempt. There, she finds unlikely friends, unwavering love, and a life she never imagined possible, only to find out some decisions can’t be undone. You only get one life.

In addition to Crocker, Continue stars Shiloh Fernandez, Lio Tipton, Kat Foster, Annapurna Sriram and Emily Deschanel. Crocker directed from her own script and produced alongside Jay Seals and Anthony Caravella, as well as EPs Cassian Elwes, Mimi Maclean, Malcolm MacLean, Jijo Reed, Rachel Bilson, Olivia Allen, Barry Brooker, Kevin Hines, Margaret Hines, Tanner Beard, Lexie Beard and Robert Mawhinney.

Watch on Deadline
Grindstone comes to Continue after distributing Crocker’s feature Desperation Road. Moviegoers who would like to contribute to the cause of suicide prevention, supported by Crocker’s The Continue On Organization, can find opportunities at http://www.ContinueOnOrganization.com and by following @ContinueOnOrg.

Said Grindstone president and CEO Barry Brooker in a statement on the acquisition, “We’re excited to be back in business with Nadine. Continue is a harrowing but ultimately life-affirming film that has brought festival audiences on the emotional journey of Nadine’s very personal story. We’re gratified to be bringing the movie to a wider audience.”

Added Crocker, “I am thrilled to share that my wildest dream is becoming a reality. I am immensely grateful to Barry Brooker, Amelia Rogers, and the Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment team—their support and belief have been invaluable; they’ve changed my life! They believe in our film, message, and our goal of suicide prevention, and their partnership has given us a colossal platform to elevate mental health.”

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.