Picture this: Your smartphone, that glowing companion by your bedside, morphing into a portal of terror, unleashing real-life demons that haunt your dreams. That's the spine-tingling premise of a faux horror trailer featuring Kiernan Shipka, set to flicker across screens in movie theaters soon – and it's all designed to tackle a modern epidemic that's wrecking our shut-eye. But here's where it gets controversial: Is unplugging truly the key to restful nights, or are we just demonizing a habit that's as addictive as it is entertaining?
Audiences are about to get a front-row seat to Kiernan Shipka battling her own sleepless struggles in this exclusive Halloween-themed campaign for Hatch, a brand dedicated to better sleep health. The pseudo-trailer, which you can check out below, was helmed by director Meredith Alloway and is titled 'Goodnight, Phone.' It'll be screening in select AMC and Cinemark theaters just in time for the spooky season, blending scares with a serious message about digital detox.
At the heart of 'Goodnight, Phone' is Ava, portrayed by Shipka, a young woman who's just settled into a fresh new home. Instead of winding down for the night, she gets sucked into the endless vortex of doom-scrolling on her phone – that's the term for mindlessly flipping through negative news, social media feeds, and viral videos that can leave you anxious and wired, even as bedtime approaches. As Ava's screen time spirals out of control, literal demons emerge from her device, turning her peaceful evening into a horror show. Meanwhile, her partner (played by Jacob Lumet Cannavale, son of actors Bobby Cannavale and screenwriter Jenny Lumet) stays blissfully asleep, thanks to his Hatch device. This clever contrast highlights how one simple tool can make all the difference in achieving that elusive good night's rest.
Shipka, who spoke candidly with The Hollywood Reporter, was instantly drawn to the project. 'From the very beginning, they had a crystal-clear vision of what they aimed to convey, and it felt like a thrilling opportunity to join in,' she shared. 'I signed on right away because the product itself is fantastic, and the concept was pure fun. Plus, I'm a huge fan of horror films – who doesn't love a good scare?'
The actress doesn't shy away from admitting her own vulnerabilities in this digital age. She's just as prone to the temptation of late-night phone obsession as anyone else. She raves about Hatch, which recently introduced the Restore 3, a gadget specifically engineered to banish screens from the bedroom and promote healthier sleep routines. 'Goodnight, Phone' represents Hatch's bold first foray into theatrical advertising, bringing their mission to a wider audience.
And this is the part most people miss: Shipka emphasizes that Hatch genuinely delivers results, but only if you're committed to the change. 'It truly functions as a helpful aid, but it requires deliberate effort to avoid picking up your phone,' she explains. 'The device's allure is endless – endless scrolling, endless notifications, endless distractions. I cave into it all too often myself, indulging in that doom-scrolling cycle, and then I wake up feeling drained and irritable. It's almost refreshing, in a strange way, to tuck in without that screen staring back at me.'
For beginners wondering about the buzz around sleep wellness, think of it like this: Doom-scrolling is akin to emotional junk food – it might feel satisfying in the moment, but it leaves you sluggish and regretful. Devices like Hatch act as a gentle barrier, reminding you to prioritize rest over reels. Of course, not everyone agrees; some argue that a quick scroll can be relaxing, like flipping through a favorite magazine before bed. Is it fair to label phone use as demonic, or are we overlooking its role in unwinding?
With her hectic schedule – she just wrapped shooting alongside Pamela Anderson in 'The Last Showgirl' – Shipka knows firsthand how crucial quality sleep is. She's also gearing up for the fourth season of the HBO series 'Industry,' after a rewarding filming stint in London earlier this year.
'It ranks among the most rewarding professional adventures I've had,' she reflects on 'Industry.' 'It was deeply satisfying in every aspect. The writing was top-notch, I adored my role, and collaborating with such talented individuals was a joy. I even forged lasting friendships along the way.'
Shipka's journey began as a child star, captivating viewers as Sally Draper in AMC's iconic 'Mad Men,' alongside Jon Hamm. And here's a controversial twist that fans can't stop debating: She hasn't ruled out a potential spinoff for the Emmy-winning show. When asked about recent rumors of reviving Sally's storyline, Shipka responds thoughtfully. 'No fresh buzz lately, but my affection for Sally endures. With certain characters, you just sense their story isn't finished until it's explicitly ended.'
She adds, 'A piece of her spirit lingers out there, so I keep an open mind. I'm always up for chatting about it.' This openness sparks endless speculation – is a 'Mad Men' revival overdue, or would it dilute the original's perfection? Opinions are split, and it's a topic that divides fans passionately.
In wrapping up, this trailer isn't just entertainment; it's a wake-up call (pun intended) about our screen-obsessed lives. But let's face it, the debate rages on: Can a gadget really banish bedtime blues, or are we setting ourselves up for failure by blaming technology instead of personal willpower? What do you think – does giving up your phone before bed sound liberating or like torture? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're team 'digital detox' or if you side with the scrollers. Do you agree that habits like doom-scrolling are ruining our sleep, or is there value in those late-night dives? Let's discuss!
