Unveiling the Enigma: ‘The Changeling’ Writer and Directors Decode Episodes 7 and 8

Spoiler Alert: This article delves into the final two episodes of Season 1 of "The Changeling."

The inaugural season of Apple TV+’s "The Changeling" has reached its riveting conclusion with the release of episodes 7 and 8. This eight-part adaptation of Victor LaValle’s dark fairy tale horror novel has left audiences pondering its deeper meanings and intricate narratives. In this article, we explore key insights shared by the series’ creator and showrunner, Kelly Marcel, along with directors Michael Francis Williams and Solvan "Slick" Naim, as they dissect these pivotal episodes.

Unveiling the Core Themes

Q: What is the show about?

Kelly Marcel: "The Changeling" operates on multiple levels. It serves as a modern-day fairy tale, a spine-chilling horror story, and an allegorical tale of parenthood. However, it delves deeper into themes such as postpartum experiences, the challenges women face in gaining trust and belief, and the struggles of accessing healthcare in America. The narrative resonates with women’s health post-birth, a theme that was especially personal to me at the time of creation.

Michael Francis Williams: The show reimagines the idea of parents as infallible superheroes, juxtaposing it with the reality of flawed individuals. It harkens back to the roots of fairy tales, where stories served as cautionary metaphors for real-life challenges. Our show draws inspiration from those terrifying and instructive fables.

A Visual Departure in Episode 7

Q: Episode 7, which focuses on Lillian, is dramatically distinct. What was the inspiration behind it?

Michael Francis Williams: Episode 7 was a unique opportunity, allowing an older woman, Lillian, to take the spotlight in a premium Black drama. This episode predominantly features one woman, Adina Porter, in a room, recording her thoughts on a tape player. As a director, I was excited to explore diverse methods of immersing the audience in her emotional journey.

Kelly Marcel: Finances posed a challenge for this episode as we had to allocate more resources throughout the series. Consequently, we had to think creatively about what we could achieve within seven days on a single set. The episode is set in a specific era of New York, capturing the essence of Times Square, the Broadway atmosphere, and the looming AIDS epidemic. Lillian grapples with her personal demons, attempting to reconcile with her past and ultimately free herself from the weight of her actions.

Episode 8: The Grand Finale

Q: Episode 8, the season finale, blends action, emotion, and horror. How did you maintain suspense without revealing too much?

Slick Naim: The finale marked a crescendo in the series, merging action and emotion while sustaining the thriller-horror element. Drawing inspiration from films like "Jaws," we aimed to maintain suspense by holding back the full reveal of the malevolent presence, much like the unseen shark in "Jaws." We wanted the audience to rely on their imagination to intensify the horror.

Kelly Marcel: Throughout the series, we subtly integrated the presence of the supernatural creature. As the characters embark on their journey to North Brother Island, keen viewers will notice subtle hints of its existence, creating an immersive experience. "The Changeling" is a show that demands your full attention, as each detail contributes to the larger narrative.

Parenthood and Personal Connection

Q: How did your experiences as parents, or your own memories of parents, influence your approach to the material?

Michael Francis Williams: As an adopted individual, my perspective was informed by the theme of adoption that surfaces in my episode. Being a queer man from the U.K., I incorporated elements of my own identity into the narrative, highlighting the immigrant experience and its significance in the story.

Slick Naim: Being a parent of two young children, I found many parallels between the show’s themes and my own life. Whether it’s dealing with postpartum issues, navigating the challenges of raising children, or maintaining a stable relationship, I could relate on various levels. Parenthood, with all its perils and rewards, is a central motif in the series.

Kelly Marcel: The horror genre often delves into our inner demons and traumas. Episode 7, in particular, allowed me to exorcise personal experiences and better understand the struggles my own mother faced as a parent. It shed light on the complexities of parenting and how easy it is to place blame.

In summary, "The Changeling" Season 1 takes audiences on a dark and immersive journey, exploring multifaceted themes while maintaining a delicate balance between suspense and revelation. The writers and directors’ personal connections and creative choices add depth to the series, making it a captivating experience for viewers.

This season finale is not just the end of a series; it’s the beginning of a discussion on the intricacies of parenthood, the supernatural, and the enduring power of storytelling.

The Impact on Viewers

Who stars in ‘the Changeling’ season 1 finale?

• LaKeith Stanfield and Clark Backo are the lead stars of "The Changeling."
• The Season 1 finale premiered on Apple TV+ last Friday.
• The Los Angeles Times recently interviewed series creator and showrunner, Kelly Marcel, along with directors Michael Francis Williams (Episode 7) and Solvan “Slick” Naim (Episode 8).

Is the Changeling based on a true story?

• ‘The Changeling’ is an American horror fantasy television series.
• It’s created by Kelly Marcel and directed by Melina Matsoukas.
• The show is based on the novel of the same name by Victor LaValle.
• It’s produced for Apple TV+.
• ‘The Changeling’ premiered on September 8, 2023, with the release of its first three episodes.

Who plays Lillian in the Changeling?

Who portrays Lillian in ‘The Changeling’?

• Alexis Louder takes on the role of the younger Lillian.
• Adina Porter embodies the character of older Lillian in the Apple TV+ series.
• The character’s portrayal in the series is notably described as a ‘completely bonkers piece of television.’

Who killed Agnes in ‘the Changeling’ episode 5?

• In the concluding moments of Episode 5, Apollo arranges a meeting with Gretta, William’s ex-wife, through Cal.
• Gretta discloses that William is the perpetrator behind Agnes’s murder.
• It’s revealed that he misappropriated a significant sum from Gretta’s account to acquire the book "To Kill a Mockingbird," which he subsequently sent to her.

What is the significance of ‘The Changeling’ Episode 7?

• Episode 7 uncovers that Lillian had fled her homeland in pursuit of a brighter future in the United States.
• Throughout the episode, it delves into Lillian’s ongoing struggle with the haunting memories of her past and her contemplation of how her life might have diverged had she remained in her home country.

What is the plot of the Changeling?

• ‘The Changeling’ is an 80s mystery and psychological horror film.
• The story revolves around a bereaved man who, after the loss of his wife and child, relocates to a sprawling house in the Pacific Northwest.
• Soon, he becomes aware that the house is haunted by the spirit of a young boy.

How are changelings expressed?

• Changelings find expression through a variety of artistic mediums, including comics, vectors, paintings, and more.
• Artists have used these forms to create original characters (OCs) and to convey their perspectives on new villains and themes.

When was the Changeling on Star Trek?

When did ‘The Changeling’ appear on Star Trek?

• "The Changeling" featured as the third episode in the second season of the American science fiction series Star Trek.
• This episode, written by John Meredyth Lucas and directed by Marc Daniels, originally aired on September 29, 1967.
• The plot involves the USS Enterprise crew grappling with a space probe of Earthly origin with the potential to devastate life.

Who are the Changelings in Friendship Is Magic?

• In the IDW comics’ ‘Friendship is Magic’ series, the Changelings, along with their queen, feature as antagonists in the story arc titled ‘The Return of Queen Chrysalis.’
• This story arc unfolds after the events of the show’s second season.
• The narrative revolves around the Changelings invading Ponyville and infiltrating the local population.