FELIX ANTHONY 

The local film scene is taking center stage with the upcoming psychological drama Solus, a film produced by John Keough and directed by Tommy Dwyer. Shot entirely inside the historic Whitcomb Mansion on Harvard Street, Solus explores themes of self-investigation, memory, and trauma. The film is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences with its unnerving yet deeply compelling narrative. 

John Keough’s journey into the film industry began at Westerman’s Prop House, a hidden gem of the New England film community. “I worked there for about five years and had the opportunity to interact with films big and small,” Keough shared. His transition to founding HollyWoot, a local film collective, came after a chance connection with Tommy Dywer. “I reached out to Tommy via messenger, and I ended up doing some red carpet coverage for him with Manny Jae Media. From there, we continued to collaborate, and I was privileged that Tommy picked me to produce Solus.” 

Keough and Dywer have been key players in fostering Worcester’s local film community through initiatives like the HollyWoot Film Group. “This group is about celebrating the local film talent we have and fostering it to the peak of excellence we see that it can achieve,” Keough explained. “Often, big films come here, film here, and then leave. They don’t premiere here and often forget us forever. My job is to change that.” 

The choice to film Solus at the Whitcomb Mansion was deliberate. “It is an imposing building, out of time really, and it creates an ominousness that fills the film,” Keough explained. “It looks like a castle, and inside, it is beautiful.” The mansion’s eerie and historic aesthetic enhances the film’s psychological depth, immersing audiences in its haunting atmosphere. 

Keough describes Solus as a film that is “watchable and unnerving,” striking a delicate balance between engaging storytelling and psychological intensity. “The film is about self-investigation, memory, and trauma. I think audiences will be impacted.” 

A significant part of the film’s success is attributed to its strong cast and crew. “Leanne Silvia was our production coordinator and lead editor. She is the most organized person we all know and helped us to run an amazing ship,” Keough said. Other key contributors include Thao Pham as the Key Grip, Steve Schloss as the Director of Photography, and Stuart Valberg as a Creative Producer. Jordan Tofalo, who plays Dr. Bates, also played a crucial role in shaping the character, while Devin Petry, who portrays Vera, provided valuable artistic input during editing. James LaBonte and Louise Mara round out the cast, bringing their experience and dedication to the project. 

Tommy Dwyer, the film’s director, has a deep-rooted passion for storytelling that stems from his background in comedy and acting. “Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be an actor,” Dwyer shared. “I think my comedy has always come from a place of darkness; now I am just leaning into the darkness instead of masking it with jokes, and I feel like a fire has been lit.” 

Having previously worked on The Hit and Madigan’s Again, Dwyer sees Solus as a natural progression. “I dipped my toe into the world of dark drama with The Hit; Solus turns the dial up to 11.” He credits his collaboration with director Patrick Jerome as a key learning experience that influenced his approach to Solus. “Working on a film with such a talented group that Patrick put together greatly shaped my approach to Solus,” Dwyer explained. “Every set I am on I try to not only do my job but study those doing the job I want. So I watched Patrick as a director and learned a lot about how he crafted a film.” 

Dwyer’s commitment to local filmmaking is evident in how he approaches every project. “I want Worcester to be a place where films are not just shot, but made from the ground up. There’s so much talent here, and Solus is proof of that.” He added, “The community has been so supportive, and I want to keep that momentum going. If we can continue building a sustainable film infrastructure here, Worcester will become a real player in the indie film world.” 

As Worcester’s film community continues to grow, projects like Solus reinforce the city’s role as more than just a filming location—it’s a place where creative voices can thrive. Keough and Dwyer’s commitment to fostering local talent is paving the way for future filmmakers to bring their stories to life right here in Central Massachusetts. With Solus, Worcester’s film scene takes another bold step forward, proving that compelling, high-quality films don’t just pass through the city—they are made here.