Joseph Neibich, best known for his quick wit on stage and sharp storytelling behind the camera, is embracing a darker realm in his latest short film, Lights Off. A departure from the laughter-filled rooms of comedy clubs, the film immerses viewers in a world of tension, seduction, and psychological unease. In a recent conversation, Neibich opened up about what inspired this bold creative shift and what it took to bring his eerie vision to life.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories that sit just beneath the surface of normal life,” Neibich said. “Lights Off came from a place of personal reflection — the things we bury, the shadows we ignore.”
The film revolves around a mysterious woman who disrupts the life of a recently divorced man, leading him down a twisted emotional path. What begins as an intimate encounter slowly evolves into something far more sinister. The short is rich in symbolism and subtle horror, with a narrative that challenges viewers to question what’s real and what’s internal.
As both the writer and actor, Joseph Neibich found himself playing dual roles — on the page and on set. He admitted that juggling both wasn’t always easy. “You know the character so well in your head, but once you step into his shoes, it forces you to confront your own interpretations,” he shared. “I wanted the audience to feel the confusion, the blurred lines — that’s the core of this story.”
Shot with a lean crew and tight schedule, Lights Off is a testament to the power of indie filmmaking. It’s a slow burn, layered with nuance and eerie elegance. The sound design, subtle lighting, and close-up framing all contribute to an atmosphere that feels intimate yet uncomfortable. Neibich credits his collaborators for helping bring his vision to life, especially director of photography Michelle Burks, whose lens captured the delicate balance between reality and illusion.
The film will screen at the Arizona International Film Festival as part of the Arizona Shorts block, a moment Neibich says is incredibly meaningful. “To share this project in my home state is full circle for me. Arizona raised me, and to be able to bring something new and bold back here feels like an important step forward.”
But even with this successful foray into suspenseful storytelling, Neibich hasn’t left his comedic roots behind. In fact, he sees the two forms of expression as connected. “Comedy and horror both rely on timing. They both build tension — one breaks it with laughter, the other with fear. I think my years in comedy gave me the intuition to know when to pull back and when to hit hard.”
Looking ahead, Neibich plans to continue exploring complex human emotions through film, whether that means comedy, drama, or psychological thrillers. He’s also involved in producing the Faith in Film International Film Festival, supporting stories that offer purpose and deeper meaning — even in their darkness.
With Lights Off, Joseph Neibich proves he’s not afraid to step outside the comfort zone. It’s a fearless short film that lingers with you — and a reminder that sometimes, it’s when the lights go out that we see most clearly.
