Destry Spielberg, the youngest daughter of iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg, has made her directorial debut with the full-length film “Please Don’t Feed The Children.” Despite her notable lineage, the horror film, which is streaming exclusively on Tubi, has faced significant criticism since its release.
Critics have expressed disappointment with the film, with IGN rating it only four out of ten. They pointed out flaws in Destry’s direction, indicating that while the movie had an intriguing premise, it fell short with a lack of engaging execution. Paste magazine echoed this sentiment, describing the film as a “conflicted, scattershot mess,” attributing various technical issues and inconsistencies in performances to Destry’s inexperience in directing.
Despite the negative reviews, there are glimmers of positivity. Fangoria praised Destry’s strong understanding of cinematic techniques and emotional nuances, suggesting that her debut shows promise and potential for growth in her future projects.
“Please Don’t Feed The Children” follows a group of orphans navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape ravaged by a viral outbreak. As they seek refuge in the south, a psychotic woman poses a significant threat, keeping them entangled in a perilous adventure. The film features Michelle Dockery from “Downton Abbey” and Giancarlo Esposito from “Breaking Bad” in leading roles, which emphasizes Destry’s commitment to bring fresh talent to the forefront.
Destry’s ambition extends beyond her debut project; she expressed a strong desire to support emerging actors in the industry. She has worked closely with renowned casting director Anne McCarthy to assemble a cast of young talent, aiming to counter the prevalent exclusivity in Hollywood.
While the film’s reception may not reflect the success of her father’s extensive body of work, Destry maintains that her journey has been shaped by hard work and dedication. She previously addressed accusations of nepotism, acknowledging her privilege but emphasizing her commitment to carving her own path in the filmmaking industry.
As Destry Spielberg embarks on her directorial journey, there is hope for her continued growth and development as a filmmaker, as she strives to elevate young voices in cinema and push boundaries in storytelling.