Infusing unique storytelling that contemplates the value of contemporary morals with stylized action is a powerful way for filmmakers to generate a modern genre classic. The creators behind actor Page Kennedy’s new horror comedy, ‘A Breed Apart,’ were able to do just that in the feature’s broadly accessible narrative. They interlaced meta-referential dark humor with terrifying stunts that ponder if fame, money and social influence are more important than people’s safety.

Siblings Griff Furst and Nathan Furst, who are collectively known as The Furst Brothers, wrote and directed the film. Besides Kennedy, the thriller features an ensemble cast that includes Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, Riele Downs, Zak Steiner, Joey Bragg, Troy Gentile and Hayden Panettiere.

‘A Breed Apart‘ follows Violet (Currey) as she accepts an invitation to a private island with some of the world’s most famous social influencers. When she arrives, she expects a weekend of unrivaled viral opportunity.

But Violet soon becomes part of her own horrific reality show when the guests are pitted against each other. They must fight each other to capture the island’s legendary man-eating dogs before they become victims of the monstrous canines.

‘A Breed Apart’ is now playing On Demand and On Digital, courtesy of Lionsgate. To help promote the movie’s distribution, Kennedy generously took the time recently to talk about starring in the project during an exclusive interview over Zoom.

Film Factual (FF): You play Big Farmer Jay in the new horror comedy, ‘A Breed Apart.’ What was it about the character, as well as the overall script, that convinced you to take on the role? How did you become attached to star in the film?

Page Kennedy (PK): My manager brought this to me as an offer. Initially, the character was different than me. but we eventually decided to try and go outside of the box and create something new and exciting.The Furst Brothers were willing to collaborate with me on that. I think we made something special.

FF: Speaking about The Furst Brothers, they wrote and directed the suspense thriller. What was your collaboration like with them as you began shooting your scenes and figuring out how you wanted to play your character?

PK: I was able to develop a rapport with them before we even started filming. Griff is an actor himself, so we already had a short form language and a way to communicate built in when we began making the movie.

Nathan is also great; he’s such a brainiac and a wordsmith. I really embrace that type of energy. So we were able to vibe on that level. So overall, I had a great time working with both of them.

FF: Once you began working on ‘A Breed Apart,’ how did you also create a connection with your castmates in order to build your character relationships? What was that experience like together on set?

PK: I actually reached out to all of my castmates before we started filming because I’m big on camaraderie; I like to have a comfortable relationship with my castmates. So I had already started communicating with them before we even arrived in Guatemala, which is where we shot the movie.

FF: Speaking of filming the movie in Guatemala, how did the location help guide your performance?

PK: Well, we were all in a different country and we’re all like-minded. So we would hang out, which allowed us to build a rapport. I think that showed on camera.

I’m kind of a homebody. I really enjoy being home with my family and my TV set-up, so I can watch my sports, movies and TV shows.

But it is also nice to go to new exotic places. I like to experience the culture, people and the weather for a period of time, and then come back to my reality. So it was fun.

FF: How did the culture in Guatemala help build ‘A Breed Apart’s story and environment?

PK: I think anytime I go to a different country and I’m able to feel the ambiance of the environment, including the way people speak there and how they treat others, is so helpful. It’s like going to the first day of high school – it’s exciting and new. All of that is helpful to me, as opposed to just filming here in LA.

FF: While you were shooting the film, how did you create the physicality for your character, especially since you have a background starring in action-driven features?

PK: Well, it depends because I’m afraid of heights. So the height stuff was a little scary for me. (Kennedy laughs.)

The water was really nice, but I didn’t know it was going to be really nice. So I was a little freaked out beforehand. But once I got in there, it actually was refreshing and amazing.

But I did not do my own stunts all the time. I did a couple of them, but I leave that to the professionals!

FF: When you’re shooting genre-driven movies like this one, do you also feel it’s important to interweave comedy with the stunts and more dramatic story elements?

PK: I always tend to bring a level of humor and playfulness into my performances. I think that’s kind of like my charm – to be open, free and fun.

So a lot of times they let me go off and let me say what I want to say. But I do give them their take. (Kennedy laughs.) I give them what they wrote, but then I also infuse something that I think of on my own.

At times, the filmmakers use some of the things I came up with because I’m a lover of language. So a lot of times I use unconventional words, which they include in the movie.

FF: ‘A Breed Apart’ (is now) playing On Demand and On Digital. Have you been connecting with genre fans about the thriller?

PK: I would love to connect with genre fans after they see the movie. It would be great to hear their reactions, and engage with them, either online and on social media, or in person. That would be awesome!