SXSW 2026: “A Safe Distance” Cast & Director on Freedom, Toxic Love, and Finding Yourself

Recorded for SXSW 2026, I sit down with A Safe Distance director Gloria Mercer and stars Bethany Brown and Tandia Mercedes to break down this gripping and emotionally charged thriller.We dive into:The film’s exploration of toxic relationships and self-identityHow Alex’s journey reflects the struggle of losing yourself to someone else’s lifeThe complex and evolving bond between Alex and KianaWhy freedom can be both empowering… and dangerousPlus, Gloria Mercer shares the real-life experiences that inspired the story, and the cast opens up about portraying characters navigating survival, desire, and emotional awakening.A Safe Distance isn’t just about running away—it’s about discovering who you are when everything familiar is stripped away.