Prevenge hits Irish cinemas this weekend and if you're looking for something weird and gory, you're in for a treat.

The film follows a pregnant widow who embarks on a murderous rampage - all thanks to the child growing in her belly that's egging her on. Comedic actor Alice Lowe wrote, starred and directed the film - all while she was eight months pregnant with her first child.

Here's our quick-fire Q&A with her.

 

Where did Prevenge come from? Was it before you yourself became pregnant or was it during? A lot of it does seem like it's observational in its tone.

It was during pregnancy, 6 months to be precise. I had a request to see if i wanted to write a feature. I said no. Then thought, 'hang on, what if I write a pregnant character?' I was right in the middle of research unconsciously after all! I was inspired by Taxi Driver and that lonely outsider character. But also revenge movies like Red Road and Dead Man's Shoes.

 

I can't honestly think of a film that had this level of violence and horror with a pregnant woman involved and, I have to say, it was definitely shocking in parts. Was there any particular scene or idea you had that you pulled back on because you thought it'd be too much or too violent?

Weirdly stuff that we lost was repugnant in other ways, and that seemed to push things too far! The violence I felt couldn't be shied away from, because after all , childbirth is violent and gory. And the the point of the film was to be brutally honest about pregnancy.

 

Do you watch any films during production to give you a bit of creative spark?

No! I just went to bed!

 

Was it important for you to star in the film? Did you consider passing the role off to someone else and just direct, or vice versa?

I wrote the part for myself to give myself something to do! So I probably wouldn't have cast anyone else. Unless I had medical complications and had to bow out. The thing about this project was that it was so strange and peculiar, having someone else play that part was a risk. You really need someone who has absolute conviction about the character and the story. To keep the crew and cast convinced as much as anything. I know loads of amazing actresses who could carry that off and then some. But in this circumstance it was one less thing I had to worry about and very time saving to not have to worry about casting the lead!

 

How's the reaction for the film been so far? Have you played it for other pregnant women? What's the strangest reaction you've gotten to the film so far?

Pregnant women have so far reacted brilliantly, fingers crossed! But then, some won't like it, because after all pregnant women are individuals and don't move as a group. In herds. Although that may be my next movie. But it means a lot to me when pregnant audience members have appreciated and enjoyed it. It's the ultimate accolade for me. A fundamentalist Christian website said the film is an 'abomination' without having seen it I'm guessing. I thought that was brilliant.

 

To finish - Top 5 Films, off the top of your head.

Don't Look Now, Black Narcissus, Labyrinth, Together, Mullholland Drive.