Set in 1976, and filmed at the University of Maine in the exact locations from the story, the film centers on Elizabeth, a popular college co-ed, who meets an unusual boy, Edward, who mysteriously knows what she needs. When he helps her pass her midterms, she falls even deeper under his spell. But who is Edward, and what secrets is he hiding?
Elizabeth doesn’t know what she wants, but Edward knows what she needs.
Director Julia Marchese (Out of Print) is a lifetime Stephen King fan, starting to read his books at 11, and is thrilled to bring her version of King’s story to life. “I want to keep the film as close to King’s story as possible, much of the dialogue is word for word, but I also want to show the story how I see it – through my eyes – as a 70’s after school special dissolving into terror”, she says. “Filming at the University of Maine, in the precise settings from the story was like stepping into the writing itself. My favorite Stephen King films are the ones actually made in Maine, following the very path of the characters. I’m so excited for all of my fellow Constant Readers to spot all of the King easter eggs in the film – it’s made with so much love for the subject matter and Stephen King himself.”
The film stars William Champion, Giovanna Drummond, Colin Fin and Caroline Goldenberg, and music was composed by Peter Marchese.
“I Know What You Need” was made through Stephen King’s Dollar Baby program, and was crowdfunded through Indiegogo. The film was shot in July 2021 at the University of Maine.
