Houston Filmmaker Lakisha Lemons Delivers in “Rent Free”

Houston filmmaker Lakisha R. Lemons delivers another psychological thriller with her latest film, “Rent Free.” 

The story centers on Shay (portrayed by Brandy Specks) and Marcus (portrayed by De’Tuan Williams) whose chance encounter in a local park leads to a shared living situation that slowly turns into something much deeper and more intense. Marcus, on the surface, looks like a typical guy making a move on a young woman, but frame by frame, it becomes apparent that Marcus’ motives are not pure. But when his plan to con Shay is exposed, he quickly realizes that she is hiding a dark past and has a few twists and turns of her own. 

Rent Free builds on Lemons’ expert ability to take audiences on a journey of twists and unexpected psychological turns as in “Kasi” and “Deadly Escape.” The Houston filmmaker keeps things simple and lets the characters and their decisions drive the story. That simplicity works in its favor, giving the story a kind of raw energy that keeps you locked in. There are moments of humor intermingled throughout the film that feel natural and even disarming at times, but they’re layered over an undercurrent of deception. 

That contrast makes the tension even more impactful, because just when things seem light, you can feel something dark bubbling beneath the surface. As secrets start coming out and true motives are revealed, the whole situation escalates into a twisted battle no one saw coming. In the end, the old adage rings true that “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive” – a reoccurring theme that drives the Houston’s filmmaker recent films. 

Lemons calls Rent Free “a psychological thriller rooted in emotion, control, and survival.“

Learning during the screening’s Q&A that the film was made on just a $10,000 budget and shot in six days proves you don’t need a huge budget to tell a story that pulls people in.

“I created this film to show that even without traditional resources, bold and cinematic storytelling is still possible,” said the Houston filmmaker.

Lemons definitely delivers with “Rent Free” and the talented filmmaker has plans to continue her psychological themes in a series of sequels. 

Written, directed and executive produced by Lemons and producer, Ian Haywood, the cast included Brandy Specks, De’Tuan Williams, Larissa Dali and Aequila Smith. 

Featured and gallery photos credit: Rodney Pinz