Award-winning independent film studio Popkin Productions has selected Hojin Lee as production designer for its upcoming body horror feature 'Meatballs', reuniting the creative team behind the critically acclaimed short film 'The Monkey's Paw'. The project promises a visceral exploration of human biological mutation through meticulously crafted visual design.
The film centers on two roommates experiencing grotesque physical transformations after exposure to a bioweapon, with Lee tasked with designing a claustrophobic apartment environment that evolves alongside the characters' psychological and physical deterioration. Her role will involve creating a visual narrative that synchronizes set design with practical effects, makeup, and cinematography to maximize narrative tension.
Lee's previous collaboration with director Benjamin T. Popkin on 'The Monkey's Paw' garnered significant critical praise, including an impressive 8.9/10 IMDb rating and recognition at prestigious film festivals like Follywood and Shockfest. Her ability to create stylized horror environments on limited budgets has established her as a sought-after talent in genre filmmaking.
The production timeline indicates pre-production will commence in November 2025, with principal photography scheduled from January to February 2026. Lee's approach to the project emphasizes exploring decay as a visual language, transforming a familiar living space into a metaphorical representation of the characters' disintegration.
This project represents another significant step for Popkin Productions in pushing the boundaries of independent horror cinema. By combining innovative design techniques with a deeply psychological narrative approach, 'Meatballs' aims to deliver a uniquely unsettling cinematic experience that challenges conventional genre storytelling.
