David Joseph Craig Premieres Horror Comedy Film ‘I Don’t Understand You’

CLEVELAND, Ohio — David Joseph Craig, a North Royalton native, is making waves in the film industry as a screenwriter and director. His latest project, a horror comedy titled “I Don’t Understand You,” will hit theaters on Friday, June 6.

The film features a couple, Dom (Nick Kroll) and Cole (Andrew Rannells), who plan a picture-perfect vacation in Italy before adopting a baby. However, their plans spiral into chaos when they struggle with language barriers and poor cell service, leading to a series of humorous disasters.

In a recent interview, Craig discussed his journey from a movie-loving teenager to a filmmaker. “I first got into filmmaking at 15 when SouthPark Mall’s movie theater opened. I watched everything I could, often being dropped off by my parents,” he said. “The film I saw most was ‘Titanic.’ It was my first big date movie, and I remember being captivated by the experience.”

Despite performing in community theater, Craig didn’t initially view filmmaking as a career. “I was just in awe of movies,” he recalled. “When I moved to New York, I got some professional work and became fascinated by what happens behind the camera.”

Craig then spent ten years learning the ropes of production, collaborating with director Joel Edgerton in California. He realized his passion went beyond acting; he wanted to guide the creative process of film.

His latest film embarks on a delicate balance between horror and comedy. “We aimed to make a horror movie with comedic elements,” Craig explained. “Brian and I work well together, blending vulnerability with humor, which helped us maintain the film’s tone.”

The film also draws inspiration from 1998’s “Very Bad Things,” a dark comedy by Peter Berg. Craig shared, “The ’90s allowed filmmakers to create wild, unpredictable works. We want to surprise our audience, offering them a fresh perspective.”

Reflecting on travel mishaps, he added, “If you plan to travel abroad, always use Google Translate. And do some Duolingo first!” “I Don’t Understand You” is rated R and has a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, set to be released in theaters on June 6.